Opening ceremony of the "Destination for Peace" cycling race in Quang Tri.

(NADS) - On the morning of June 30th at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a land that witnessed 81 days and nights of fierce fighting to defend the citadel in 1972, the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee and Thanh Nien Newspaper held the opening ceremony of the "Destination for Peace" cycling race. This event not only celebrated the increasingly strong development of cycling in Quang Tri and throughout the country, but also honored the value of peace.

The race brings together 391 athletes from 60 cycling clubs across provinces, cities, and sectors nationwide. Notably, there are four cycling clubs from Pakse and Savannakhet (Lao People's Democratic Republic) and Mukdahan province (Kingdom of Thailand). This will create fierce, exciting, and dramatic races from the teams and athletes, promising many exciting surprises for fans.

The organizing committee and representatives of the participating teams paid their respects to the fallen heroes at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province and Head of the Organizing Committee of the Cycling for Peace Festival, said that the "Destination for Peace" cycling race is an activity of the Cycling for Peace Festival in the series of Peace Festivals in 2024; this is a national and international-scale cultural, sports and tourism event. In particular, this race has transcended the boundaries of a sports competition, carrying a message of peace, spreading and honoring the value of peace, calling on everyone to fight together to preserve and build a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable life. At the same time, it pays tribute to and commemorates the heroic martyrs who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, as well as commemorating the victims of war and the painful losses for peace. Mr. Tuan also stated that the cycling race is an opportunity to meet, share love and support for peace, as well as strengthen and continue building friendly relations and friendships among the participating teams from all over the world.

Mr. Le Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the race.

Before the official competitions began, a street parade was held with the theme "Cycling for peace, for a green, clean, and beautiful environment," involving 500 primary and secondary school students from Quang Tri town. They cycled around the ancient citadel, covering a distance of 2.5km, accompanied by music from songs like "This Earth Belongs to Us."

Some photos from the race.