author：qinghaihu publish time：2025-07-13
XIHAI, Qinghai, China – July 13, 2025 – SALBY Alexander (Li Ning Star) sprinted to victory on the final stage of 24th”ICBC”Tour of Magnificent Qinghai 2025, while XDS Astana Team’s MULUBRHAN Henok sealed his overall triumph at the Atomic City Memorial, capping eight days of racing across China’s high-altitude landscapes.
Stage 8 Results:
SALBY Alexander (Li Ning Star)
PEÑALVER ANIORTE Manuel (Team Polti VisitMalta)
GATE Aaron Murray (XDS Astana Team)
Final Jersey Holders:
Yellow Jersey (General Classification Leader): MULUBRHAN Henok (XDS Astana Team) sponsored by ICBC
Green Jersey (Points Leader): MULUBRHAN Henok (XDS Astana Team) sponsored by Jinhui Liquor
Polka Dot Jersey (King of Mountains): AGIRRE EGAÑA Jon (Euskaltel – Euskadi) sponsored by Nissan
Blue Jersey (Best Asian Rider): SAFARZADEH Saeid (Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team) sponsored by PEAK
The 121km Tongbaoshan Circuit (sponsored by ICBC) began under clear 15°C skies in Xihai Town with 125 riders. Early control by GC teams prevented breakaways until SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan (Tianyoude Hotel Cycling) attacked at the day’s sole KOM climb (Cat 3, 25.8km). AGIRRE EGAÑA Jon secured second-place points to mathematically clinch the polka dot jersey.
Tension peaked at the first intermediate sprint where CRESCIOLI Ludovico (Team Polti VisitMalta) beat MULUBRHAN Henok and SILVA COUSSAN Guillermo Thomas (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA) as the yellow jersey fought for bonus seconds. A 14-rider break later formed including RIKUNOV Petr(Chengdu DYC), but was kept on a 20-second leash.
Finale Drama: With 8km remaining, the last breakaway was reeled in. In the bunch sprint, MULUBRHAN Henok launched first, followed by SILVA COUSSAN, but SALBY Alexander surged from the right to claim his second stage win this week.
Champion’s Reflections: SALBY Alexander: “Crosswinds made it brutal, but we stayed focused. Though positioned poorly in the sprint, I caught the right wheel at the perfect moment. Winning the finale means everything – two stage wins for our Continental team is beyond expectations.”
MULUBRHAN Henok: “This jersey belongs to the whole team. We targeted yellow from day one and executed perfectly. We’ll celebrate briefly before shifting focus to upcoming races.”
Epic Conclusion: The 2025 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai concluded amidst the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Over eight days, riders conquered 3000m-high passes, battled fierce winds, and etched new legends into the race’s history. From Xining’s energetic start to the Atomic City’s triumphant finish, this edition celebrated human resilience against nature’s grandeur.
Acknowledgments: To the riders who inspired us, fans who lined the roads, and the unsung heroes – volunteers and organizers – thank you for this symphony of grit and beauty. The 2025 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai isn’t just a race; it’s where sporting dreams meet the roof of the world. See you next year in magnificent Qinghai!
