Cycles of peace on the 'land of fire'

Cycling enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad recently gathered in Quang Tri for the 2026 Cycling for Peace Day. Along the roads of this "land of fire," they spread the aspiration for peace through their emotional cycling performances and spirit of solidarity.

RETURN TO THE LAND OF PEACE

Over the two days of April 18-19, Quang Tri province once again became a gathering place for hundreds of people from all over Vietnam and abroad. Differing in gender, age, language, and nationality, they all came together in "the land of fire, Quang Tri" because they share a common passion: a love of cycling and a love for peace.

Held for the second time in Quang Tri, the Cycling for Peace event has become a "brand" eagerly awaited by cycling enthusiasts. No matter where they are, upon receiving an invitation to participate in the event, they always arrange to return to this land that once suffered so much from war and is now a destination of peace.

Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper, speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Cycling for Peace Day.

PHOTO: YOUTH

Mr. Do Dang Khoa, in charge of the MBO Sports Cycling Club, embarked on a long journey from Hanoi to Quang Tri with the ultimate goal of bringing the gold medal back to the capital. "We rented a 30-seater bus so that as many members of the MBO Sports Cycling Club as possible could participate in the event. The journey was quite long, but remembering the emotions of the previous season, everyone was excited," Mr. Khoa shared.

As we crossed the legendary Hien Luong Bridge, with the red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the blue sky, the people of the capital city were filled with pride. Then, the fatigue of the long journey vanished as the bicycle wheels began to turn on the "fiery land."

Overcoming a 400 km journey.

Traveling from Champasak province (Laos) to Quang Tri, the Lao cyclists also felt a sense of excitement as they crossed the border and joined hundreds of Vietnamese cyclists in a parade under the flag along the banks of the Hien Luong - Ben Hai River. They felt even more deeply the profound solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

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PHOTO: YOUTH

Two years after the 2024 Cycling for Peace Day, Mr. Khammanh Keovilaysack from Champasak province returned to Vietnam wearing the uniform from the first event. He said he really enjoyed the cycling event and always cherished his shirt from the previous one. "This year's Cycling for Peace Day coincided with the Lunar New Year celebrations in our country. It was quite busy preparing for the new year, but everyone in the group made time to arrange their schedules, and as soon as the holidays were over, we got on our bikes and set off. The journey was long and far, but it was quite enjoyable to relive the memories of the 2024 event. We are very happy to return to Vietnam," Mr. Khammanh Keovilaysack shared.

" PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE"

That was the wish of journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper, in his opening speech at the 2026 Cycling for Peace Day at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Monument on April 18.

Standing alongside hundreds of athletes and citizens under the national flag, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan stated that in this land where so many fell in the flames of war, today a fireworks display of compassion shines, spreading the aspiration for a happy future for all of humanity. "Today we are here at the special national historical site of Hien Luong - Ben Hai in the sacred land of Quang Tri, to extend the routes of the 2nd Cycling for Peace Festival in 2026. We believe that the efforts of Quang Tri province and Thanh Nien Newspaper, along with all the athletes and numerous fans, will contribute to heartfelt prayers for a peaceful world . May the sky be filled only with doves, the land only with lush fields, and may bustling cities and people show compassion for one another," shared the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

The athletes shared their joy with the organizers after achieving top titles at the cycling race.

PHOTO: YOUTH

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Parading across Hien Luong Bridge, offering incense at Vinh Linh Martyrs' Cemetery, signing the green flag of peace, exciting and captivating races around Quang Tri Ancient Citadel... these journeys continue to build the "brand" of the 2nd Cycling for Peace Festival. The enthusiastic participation of the athletes and the vibrant support of the local people are the great driving force that makes the cycling festival an indispensable part of the annual Festival for Peace held in Quang Tri.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Tan, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee for the 2026 Peace Cycling Festival, said that with each passing season, the cycling festival continues to expand in scale, elevating it to an international event. "More than just a sporting event, the Peace Cycling Festival is also a meaningful cultural and social activity, where memory and the present intersect. Quang Tri province is honored to partner with Thanh Nien Newspaper in organizing this program. We hope the wheels will continue to roll further, spreading the message of peace to even more places," the Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee emphasized.

On April 19th, after the flag signal marking the end of the final leg of the race at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the athletes released their handlebars, their emotions overflowing as they crossed the finish line. This moment also marked another success for the 2026 Cycling for Peace Festival. Those who love cycling and peace returned to their normal lives, promising to meet again in two years, when the Cycling for Peace Festival returns to the heroic land of Quang Tri.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-vong-quay-hoa-binh-บน-dat-lua-185260618161031193.htm