An international cycling tour kicked off in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone (PCPZ) on Sunday, attracting nearly 1,500 cyclists from 14 countries and regions.

Cyclists compete at the 2014 Ocean Cup China Pingtan Int’l Cycling Tour in Pingtan county, June 8. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

The 2014 Ocean Cup China Pingtan Int’l Cycling Tour is co-sponsored by the State Oceanic Administration, PCPZ’s administrative committee, Fujian Provincial Ocean and Fishery Bureau and the Fujian Sports Bureau.

The event is going to become a tradition for June 8, which is World Oceans Day, and will join the Xiamen Marathon to represent two of Fujian’s sporting events at highest level promoting protection of the ocean and islands.

As the host city of the race, Pingtan has improved its infrastructure conditions over the past four years and raised its impact worldwide. Now it is eligible to hold large international sporting events, said Li Dejin, director of PCPZ’s administrative committee.

The Pingtan cycling tour, a combination of ocean culture and bicycle racing, is already one of the largest of its kind in Fujian. It also impresses the world with a gorgeous track decorated with flowers along Huandao (Island-Ring) Road, he added.

The competition is divided into six groups: professional men's road bicycle (60 km), men's road bicycle (20 km), men's mountain bicycle pro (40 km), men's bicycle (20 km), women's mountain bicycle (20 km) and women's bicycle (10 km). Competitors include top amateur cycling teams and retired former pros.

During the tour, other events were held, including an ocean culture exhibition, a photography competition, a mountain bike show and a lottery.