Western man loves the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup cycling race

Cúp truyền hình - Ảnh 1. — People prepare flags and flowers to welcome the Television Cup cycling team to the finish line on Le Duan Street - Photo: DUC KHUE

This year, Mr. Brian and his wife came to Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. He shared that this was the 4th or 5th time he came to the city on a special occasion.

Love for Vietnam

Cúp truyền hình - Ảnh 2. — Mr. Brian came to Vietnam many times to join in the atmosphere of April 30 as well as welcome the cycling team to the finish line - Photo: DUC KHUE

Mr. Brian shared: "I have always been eager to learn about history. When I was young, the media and newspapers reported a lot about the war in Vietnam, about the liberation day of your country. Therefore, I really wanted to come here to learn about the country and the Vietnamese people."

This man said he has been to Ho Chi Minh City many times. And he often chooses the occasion of April 30th to both travel and join in the joyful atmosphere of the local people. This year is even more special for him and his wife when they witness the moments marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's complete unification.

In order not to miss the beautiful parade on the morning of April 30, Mr. Brian booked a hotel room right on Le Duan Street.

"Three months ago, when I checked the room rate, it was £300 for 2 nights (more than 10 million VND). At that time, I hesitated and when I booked the room closer to the departure date, the price had almost doubled.

But that doesn't matter because I love Vietnam. This morning, we watched a magnificent and beautiful parade. Now I'm going out to welcome the HCM City Television Cup cycling team as a tradition when I come to HCM City," he shared.

While he was still answering the interview, the race reached Le Duan Street. The 67-year-old man immediately took out his phone to record the sprint moments of the cyclists in the final meters.

"The first time I came here was to learn about your Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day. That was also when I learned about the Television Cup cycling race. Vietnamese people poured into the streets in great numbers with an excited and joyful atmosphere, which made me also have a passionate feeling about this race."

Can't miss

Cúp truyền hình - Ảnh 3. — A person holds a camera to record the special moments of the cyclists - Photo: DUC KHUE

According to Tuoi Tre, on Le Duan Street at noon on April 30, hundreds of people stood on both sides of the street waiting for the racing procession despite the hot weather. Many people had finished watching the parade but still lingered to welcome the racing procession to the finish line.

Ms. Le Thi Thu (living in Binh Thanh District) said: "I came to watch the parade early. I thought since I've already come here, I'll wait for the bicycle group to return because this is an opportunity that only happens once every 50 years. I feel extremely proud and moved."

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang chose another way to follow both events. He said: "In the morning, I stood in Tan Thuan area (District 7) to watch the aircraft perform and release heat traps from afar.

At noon, when the streets are less crowded, I go to District 1 to watch the cycling race. This is like a tradition for me. I almost never miss this opportunity every year."