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UCI Gran Fondo World Series Launches in Hainan with Spectacular Coastal Stage

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series Hainan kicked off with the Lingao-Danzhou road race, covering 110.4km of stunning and challenging terrain. Chinese rider Chen Hao emerged victorious in his category, clocking a winning time of 2:22:23.

The race started in the morning at Wenlan Cultural Park in Lingao. After a rolling start in waves to avoid congestion, the peloton faced its main challenge on the Danzhou Volcanic Coast section of the course. Riders navigated a dramatic landscape between ancient black basalt rocks and the blue waters of the Beibu Gulf, battling crosswinds and technical roads.

The race started in the morning at Wenlan Cultural Park in Lingao

Chen Hao attributed his win to a decisive team breakaway in the first 20km. "The heat and crosswinds later were a huge test, but the spectacular views helped," he said after the finish at Danzhou (Yangpu) Waterfront Cultural Plaza.

Chen Hao attributed his win to a decisive team breakaway in the first 20km.

The event also served as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, with the top 25% of finishers across age groups securing their slots.

Other notable victories included Li Si in her women's age group and local Hainan rider Liang Yanqing, who took second place in her category. "It's a fantastic window to showcase Hainan," said Liang.

Other notable victories included Li Si in her women's age group and local Hainan rider Liang Yanqing

International riders praised the unique experience. British age-group winner Alexander Araujo called the volcanic coast "a spectacular sight I've never seen before," while Australia's Alae Brand described it as "the perfect mix of fierce racing and cultural enjoyment."

The series in Hainan continues on December 13 with an individual time trial in Danzhou (Yangpu), followed by the decisive climbing stage in Wuzhishan on December 14.

International riders praised the unique experience.