2024 "Ocean Cup" China (Pingtan) International Cycling Open (Archive Photo)

The 2024 "Ocean Cup" China (Pingtan) International Cycling Open has recently been awarded the title of "Most Influential Sports Event Brand of the Year."

Founded in 2014, the "Ocean Cup" cycling race took a significant leap last year when it was officially upgraded to an international Class C event in China. This upgrade marked a breakthrough in both scale and competitiveness, solidifying its growing presence on the international sports stage.

Jointly organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone Administrative Committee, the 2024 edition of the race brought together five UCI Continental teams, 15 elite club teams from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and over 2,000 cycling enthusiasts from around the world. 

For the first time, the racecourse featured an 87-kilometer island circuit, breaking away from the traditional flat-road and loop-race formats. The new route introduced a challenging uphill section along the scenic Northern Ecological Corridor, testing riders' endurance and skills while delivering breathtaking scenes for spectators. The dynamic course design further boosted Pingtan's reputation as an international tourism destination. 

Over the years, the "Ocean Cup" has leveraged Pingtan's stunning natural landscape and strategic location to establish itself as a benchmark cycling event, contributing to the region's booming sports tourism industry. 

"This recognition reaffirms the event's strong brand value," said Shi Wen, head of the event operations department at Pingtan Haixia Sports Industry Development Co., Ltd. "It's a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of cycling."