SHANGHAI, Nov. 04, 2025 – The 2025 Tour of Chongming Island, a UCI Women’s WorldTour event, commenced on Shanghai’s renowned ecological island. This three-day occasion unites top-tier cyclists, amateur participants, and spectators in a celebration centered around sport, environmental consciousness, and regional heritage.
Jointly hosted by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), China’s General Administration of Sport, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the competition is orchestrated by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and the Chongming District People’s Government.
Holding the distinction as China’s sole multi-day women’s WorldTour road race, this event stands among legendary cycling competitions like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. For this edition, 108 top cyclists representing 18 teams – comprising five WorldTour teams, two professional teams, and eleven continental teams – are navigating the island’s picturesque routes.
Competiting Across Shanghai’s Ecological Haven
The 2025 course traverses Chongming, passing through wetlands, agricultural areas, and coastal conservation zones. Beyond pursuing victory, competitors will experience the island’s pastoral appeal, ecological vibrancy, and rich cultural heritage – an active demonstration of Chongming’s increasing renown as a premier eco-island.
Tuesday’s opening stage (October 14), known as the Chongxi Stage, stretched for 108.6 kilometers. It began at Chongming New City Park and proceeded past significant sites including the Xisha Pearl Lake Scenic Area and Guangming Tianyuan. This segment included a single climb and two sprint points, challenging riders’ stamina and tactical skills.
Wednesday’s Stage Two heads east for 128.6km, passing through Changxing Island Country Park and over the Yangtze River Bridge. The race will then conclude on Thursday with a 111.4km urban circuit in central Chongming, anticipating fast-paced finishes and lively spectators.
“Chongming has nurtured a strong relationship with cycling ever since hosting the National Road Cycling Elite Race in 2003,” stated Lu Chenfei, acting director of Chongming District. He added, “The allure and excitement of cycling are prominently displayed on this world-class eco-island, which now serves as a dynamic emblem of Chongming’s identity.”
From Professional Competition to Community Engagement
Beyond the professional contest, a series of complementary events accompany the WorldTour race. These include the Yangtze River Delta Road Cycling Elite Race and the Trek100 Chongming Island Open, alongside interactive initiatives like online challenges and a “Ride and Travel” short video campaign, all designed to foster community participation.
On Sunday, the Trek100 Open drew almost 1,500 amateur cyclists to ride the identical 108.6km professional course.
Recognized as one of the world’s most impactful charity rides, Trek100 has engaged over half a million participants worldwide since 1990, contributing to charitable initiatives for 36 years. Since its introduction in China in 2016, it has expanded beyond Shanghai to include Beijing, Hangzhou, Dalian, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangdong, and Tangshan.
A Festival of Cycling and Heritage
Concurrently, the north plaza of Chongming New City Park has been transformed into a lively Cycling Carnival, integrating music, art, and dynamic activities. The festival commenced on Sunday, featuring live entertainment, drone displays, and an artisan market offering local specialties, specialty coffee, and handcrafted goods.
The Costume Ride Show served as the focal point, demonstrating both athleticism and imagination. Cyclists, dressed in various outfits, highlighted the allure of local traditions, floral culture, and animated characters.
Evening drone shows provided an ethereal element, projecting luminous depictions of wetlands, migrating birds, and finless porpoises, symbolizing Chongming’s untouched natural environment.
“Ecology + Sports”: A Dynamic Vision
Chongming’s ambitions extend beyond organizing elite competitions, leveraging its natural scenery to champion sustainable recreation and eco-tourism, thereby cultivating an “ecology + sports” development framework.
The island’s array of sporting events is steadily growing. Chongming is set to host the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in October 2026, with plans to integrate track and road cycling moving forward.
Furthermore, next year Chongming will host the Golf China Open, and traditional events like the triathlon are scheduled for a comeback.
Source: The Organizing Committee of UCI Women’s WorldTour 2025 – Tour of Chongming Island
CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558
