author：qinghaihu publish time：2025-07-08
MENYUAN, Qinghai, July 8, 2025 – Stage 3 of 24th “ICBC” Tour of Magnificent Qinghai started in Huzhu under rainy 10°C conditions. After 220km traversing the stunning Menyuan rapeseed fields, including 3 categorized climbs and 2 intermediate sprints, SALBY Alexander （Li Ning Star) triumphed in a bunch sprint. Stage 1 winner PEÑALVER Manuel （Team Polti VisitMalta) finished second, with SCOTT Cameron (CCACHE x BODYWRAP) taking third.
Jersey Winners
Yellow Jersey (General Classification Leader): SILVA COUSSAN Guillermo Thomas (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA) sponsored by ICBC
Green Jersey (Points Leader): PEÑALVER Manuel (Team Polti VisitMalta) sponsored by Jinhui Liquor
Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): PELLAUD Simon（Li Ning Star) sponsored by Nissan
Blue Jersey (Best Asian Rider): SAFARZADEH Saeid (Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team) sponsored by PEAK
Riders React ”Today was incredibly tough with rain almost the entire race,” said stage winner SALBY Alexander (Li Ning Star). “My teammates were perfect – they guided me safely over the final climbs and positioned me perfectly for the sprint. This second pro win in China is a huge boost.” Blue Jersey holder SAFARZADEH Saeid (Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team) stated optimistically: “The blue jersey has stayed with our team since the start. As the local team, we aim to keep it here.” PELLAUD Simon (Li Ning Star) looks happy after race and said: “I feel good today. I even slowed hoping for someone to join me in leading group, but no one could follow. So I have to go solo.”
Race Dynamics & Next Stage The 146-rider peloton faced the demanding Beilongshan Pass climb just 34.3km after the Huzhu start. An early break formed featuring PELLAUD Simon and JACKSON George (Burgos Burpellet BH), building a strong leading advantage exceeding 3 minutes. PELLAUD dominated the first two KOM climbs solo. Despite sunshine in the final 100km, Caja Rural – Seguros RGA controlled the chase, reeling in all breakaway riders with just 7km remaining in Menyuan, setting up the bunch sprint won by SALBY Alexander.
Stage 4 (“Western Mining” Menyuan-Qilian) on July 9th features 2 categorized climbs and 3 intermediate sprints. The prolonged high-altitude ascents in thin air are expected to ignite battles among General Classification contenders targeting the Yellow Jersey.
