THE 2025 Tour of Chongming Island, part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, has kicked off on Shanghai’s world-class ecological island, bringing together elite cyclists, amateur riders, and fans for a three-day celebration of sport, sustainability, and local culture.

Co-hosted by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), China’s General Administration of Sport, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the race is organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and the Chongming District People’s Government.

As the only multi-day women’s road race in China on the WorldTour calendar, the Tour of Chongming Island ranks alongside cycling’s most iconic events, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. This year, 108 elite riders from 18 teams – five WorldTour squads, two professional teams, and 11 continental squads – are competing across the island’s scenic roads.

Racing Through Shanghai’s Eco Paradise

The 2025 route spans across Chongming, weaving through wetlands, farmlands, and coastal reserves. Riders are not only chasing victory but will also take in the island’s rural charm, ecological vitality, and cultural richness – a living showcase of Chongming’s growing reputation as a world-class eco-island.

The first stage on Tuesday (October 14), the Chongxi Stage, covered 108.6 kilometers, starting from Chongming New City Park and passing landmarks such as the Xisha Pearl Lake Scenic Area and Guangming Tianyuan. The stage featured one climb and two sprint points, testing riders’ endurance and strategy.

Stage Two, on Wednesday, runs east for 128.6km through Changxing Island Country Park and across the Yangtze River Bridge, before the race concludes on Thursday with a 111.4km city circuit in central Chongming, promising high-speed finishes and enthusiastic crowds.

At the opening ceremony, Lu Chenfei, acting director of Chongming District, reflected on the island’s long-standing bond with cycling.

“Since organizing the National Road Cycling Elite Race in 2003, Chongming has maintained a cherished connection with the sport,” Lu said. “Cycling’s charm and joy shine brightly on this world-class eco-island, which has become a vibrant symbol of Chongming’s image.”

Australian rider Georgia Baker claimed the opening stage in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 55 seconds, edging out Sofie van Rooijen of the Netherlands and Mia Griffin of Ireland.

“It’s my second time in Chongming – the last was 2023,” Baker said. “I’m really happy to be back and proud of today’s result. I’m looking forward to the next stages, and hope to explore more of the island.”

From Elite Racing to Public Participation

Beyond the professional competition, this year’s event emphasizes community involvement. Alongside the WorldTour race, organizers have rolled out a lineup of events designed to bring cycling closer to everyone, including the Yangtze River Delta Road Cycling Elite Race and the Trek100 Chongming Island Open, as well as interactive activities such as online challenges and a “Ride and Travel” short video campaign.

The Trek100 Open, held on Sunday, drew nearly 1,500 amateur cyclists to tackle the same 108.6km route as the professionals. Originating in the United States in 1990, Trek100 has become one of the world’s most influential charity rides, attracting over half a million participants globally. Since debuting in China in 2016, it has expanded from Shanghai to Beijing, Hangzhou, Dalian, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangdong, and Tangshan.

More than a race, Trek100 is a ride for a cause. Co-founded by Trek Bicycle and the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, the event has supported charitable programs for 36 years. This year, the Shanghai event partnered with the Shanghai Sports Development Foundation, with registration fees directed toward youth sports and social welfare initiatives.

A Carnival of Cycling and Culture

Meanwhile, Chongming New City Park’s north plaza has been transformed into a vibrant Cycling Carnival, blending music, art, and movement. The festival opened on Sunday with live performances, drone shows, and a creative market featuring local delicacies, boutique coffee, and handmade crafts.

The centerpiece was the Costume Ride Show, a showcase of athleticism and creativity. In the Tubu Ride, cyclists donned handmade homespun cloth to honor local heritage. The Flower Goddess Ride featured flowing hanfu and floral gowns, while the Anime and Cartoon Rides brought beloved characters to life – from Disney princesses to Nezha and other animation heroes – pedaling imagination into reality.

Nighttime drone displays added an ethereal touch: on Sunday, the sky lit up with scenes celebrating cycling and local life; the finale will project glowing images of wetlands, migratory birds, and finless porpoises, symbolizing Chongming’s pristine ecology.

“To encourage local spending, riders can enjoy discounts at scenic spots and shopping areas simply by presenting their race numbers,” said Ma Jing, deputy director of the Chongming Administration of Culture and Tourism.

“Eco + Sports”: A Vision in Motion

Chongming’s ambitions extend beyond hosting top-tier races. The district is actively shaping an “eco + sports” development model, using its natural landscapes to promote sustainable recreation and green tourism.

“Chenjia Town, one of this year’s key race stages, has become a cycling-themed town,” said Yu Yongfeng, deputy director of the Chongming Administration of Sports. “It features 66 kilometers of cycling routes in Dongtan – from professional-grade circuits to family-friendly paths and scenic wetland trails. We’ll host more events here, including the Dongtan Cycling Festival.”

The island’s sporting portfolio continues to expand. Chongming will host the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in October 2026, marking another milestone in its emergence as a global sports hub. “We hope to integrate track and road cycling in the future,” Yu added.

In addition, next year Chongming will welcome the Golf China Open, while traditional events such as the triathlon are set to return.