Athletes compete during the XDS Cup Tour of Shenzhen Guangming on Sunday.

The XDS Cup Tour of Shenzhen Guangming kicked off on Science Avenue in Guangming District on Sunday, attracting nearly 500 riders worldwide.

The event is a C-level race of the UCI (International Cycling Union) in China, with two categories: professional and open, Bao'an Daily reported.

As the first international professional road cycling race in Shenzhen, the professional category attracted 18 high-level teams from China, the U.K., Russia, Malaysia, and Mongolia; while the open category attracted over 300 high-level athletes.

The event was hosted by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, and the Guangming District Government, and was organized by the Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Guangming District and XDS Shenzhen Xidesheng Bicycles Co.

At present, Guangming District is focusing on building outdoor sports facilities, developing sports such as rowing, equestrian sports, and tennis, while fully leveraging the advantages of the cycling industry, exploring the model of industry-linked events and promoting industrial development through sports events.

With the support of the China Cycling Association, Guangming District has established a training base for the China Cycling Association, successfully hosting high-level events such as the China Mountain Bike Open in February.