Posted 2019/8/8
The cities of Beijing and Zhangjiakou, who are jointly bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, will 'join hands' for the first time in putting on the fourth edition of the Tour.
Launched in 2011, this year will witness the last race of the original agreement between cycling's governing body, the UCI, and the Beijing Municipal government. Local organizers say they will only consider continuing to host this event after the 2014 race concludes in mid-October.
144 riders from 18 of the world's top professional teams will participate in the five-day race. Organizers hope this will be a good opportunity for Zhangjiakou to accumulate knowledge and experience in hosting international sporting events.
This is the first time Zhangjiakou has become involved at such a level and if the 2014 Tour of Beijing is a success, it will stand the two cities in good stead as they work to become joint host cities for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
"For the city of Zhangjiakou, by doing this, we can improve our experience in hosting big events, train organizing personnel and volunteers for the sports event. At the same time, co-hosting this event is a good opportunity for us and our Beijing colleagues to test our cooperation and co-ordination skills. If the Tour of Beijing this year is a success, it will add points to the 2022 Winter Olympics bidding work for Beijing and Zhangjiakou," Zhangjiakou Olympic Bidding Office Deputy Director Zhang Chunsheng said.
