The National Elite Cycling Competition in Changnyeong Starts on the 14th

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongnam will host the ‘2023 Changnyeong Tour National Road Cycling Competition,’ marking the start of the 2023 National Elite Cycling Competition, from the 14th to the 17th for four days on roads throughout Changnyeong-gun (Docheon, Gilgok, Bugok-myeon).

Now in its second year, this competition is the only nationwide cycling event held in Gyeongnam, organized and hosted by the Korea Cycling Federation and sponsored by Changnyeong-gun, with about 200 elite team members from 37 teams nationwide participating.

The scene from the Changnyeong Tour National Road Cycling Competition held last year. [Image source=Changnyeong County Office]

The races are divided into men’s and women’s general divisions and under-19 divisions. From the 14th to the 16th, individual road races will be held in the Docheon, Gilgok, and Bugok-myeon areas, and on the 17th, a criterium race will take place.

The individual road race is a discipline equivalent to a marathon in athletics, with men riding 100 to 140 km and women riding 70 to 103 km. The criterium race involves closing off a section of the road and racing multiple laps on the same course at high speed, making it very popular as spectators can watch the thrilling competition up close.

Since July 2021, the county has operated the Changnyeong-gun Office Women’s Cycling Team, which was reorganized this year to consist solely of long-distance riders.

The team has attracted attention for this competition by recruiting promising athlete Ahn Young-seo, a Jeonnam Physical Education High School alumnus who has won multiple first-place titles in the high school division at national cycling competitions and the National Sports Festival, as well as Lee Joo-eun and Lee Ha-ran, who competed for first and second place in last year’s U23 division. The team also includes national team member Park Soo-bin, a long-distance rider with fast speed and strengths in criterium races.

Acting County Governor Jo Hyun-hong said, “This competition is the only one held in Gyeongnam and an important event marking the first step of the national elite cycling competition. Above all, since the event uses public roads, we will do our utmost to ensure the safety of participants and residents to prevent any accidents.”