UCI GFWS Hainan Day2: Individual Time Trial Decided by Seconds in Danzhou Yangpu

The second day of the UCI GFWS Hainan shifted gears on Friday with the Individual Time Trial (ITT) in Danzhou Yangpu, offering a stark contrast to the previous day’s mass-start road race. Riders set off solo at 30-second intervals along a scenic coastal route beside Xin Ying Bay, battling both the clock and persistent crosswinds under clear skies.

The race against time saw riders push their limits without the aid of teammates or drafting. China’s Xu Zhaoliang delivered a standout performance in the men’s field, setting a new course record of 23:05. “To produce a stable output in my current training phase is satisfying. The setup here is very professional for an amateur event,” said Xu, who is targeting qualification for the World Championships.

In the women’s groups, Anastasiia Riabochkina of Russia posted an early benchmark time of 27:37, securing the provisional lead on the iconic “Hot Seat.” She was later overtaken by China’s Li Si, the previous day’s road race 19-34 age group winner, who finished with a 63-second advantage in her first-ever ITT attempt. “It was all new to me—the bike, the format—but it’s the best kind of training,” Li remarked.

Anastasiia Riabochkina of Russia posted an early benchmark time of 27:3

The coastal winds added a tactical layer to the pure test of power and pacing. Many riders praised the event's organization and the enthusiastic support from local crowds. “The atmosphere along the route was warm, with people cheering and taking photos. It really added to the spirit of the race,” noted British rider Jonathan Cameron Wall.

The UCI GFWS Hainan concludes on Saturday with the climbing challenge of the 2025 Wuzhishan Rainforest Sky Road Race, which will offer the final chance for riders to secure qualification for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

The coastal winds added a tactical layer to the pure test of power and pacing.