Pingtan, a comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration off the coast of Fujian Province and the Chinese mainland's closest point to the island of Taiwan, stands as China's second international tourism island after Hainan. This coastal hub recently hosted the 2025 "Ocean Cup" China (Pingtan) International Cycling Open, a landmark event that blended competitive sports with stunning coastal vistas while celebrating a decade of growth from a local race to an international fixture.

Kicking off early on August 31, the 2025 edition centered on the theme "Ride the Island Breeze, Embark on Pingtan's Blue Journey." It featured an 87-kilometer island loop that weaved through Pingtan's iconic landscapes—including Longwangtou Beach, the Northern Ecological Corridor, and windmill fields—offering riders both athletic challenges (such as a 16% gradient section and a total elevation gain of 350 meters) and stunning coastal views. Nearly 2,200 domestic and international cyclists participated, a record high for the event.

The race's competitive highlights included standout victories in key categories. In the Men's Road Elite Group, Su Jun of the BROSS-CENIT Team (bib number 160) claimed first place with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 47 seconds. His win marked a personal milestone: it was his third appearance at the event, following a crash-induced withdrawal in his debut and a victory in the Men's Road Amateur Group in his second attempt. "This win means so much after coming back from setbacks," Su reflected on his journey. For the Women's Road Amateur Group, Wang Xinge—competing individually from Yunnan—secured the title after overcoming an early deficit. "The 87-kilometer ride in hot weather was tough, especially falling behind on the climbs," Wang said. "But I pushed hard on the descents to catch up, and winning feels incredible."

For participants like Ye Kaichuan—Su Jun's teammate and a key supporter in his winning breakaway—the race's appeal lies in its unique mix of challenge and beauty. "The second section of the route has tough climbs, especially around the 30-kilometer mark, but the rest is smooth for drafting," Ye said. "Overall, it's an amazing experience." Zeng Yueyu, a first-time participant, echoed that sentiment, citing the Changjiang'ao Wind Farm as a highlight: "The blue sky with windmills was unforgettable. Just finishing the race made me happy."

Beyond the 2025 race, the "Ocean Cup" has evolved dramatically over its 10-year history. Launched in 2014 with a "Marine Rider" concept, it initially focused on blending coastal scenery with cycling. By 2019, it introduced a full island-circling route, and in 2024, it earned recognition as an International Category C event in China, attracting five UCI Continental Teams. This year, the locally founded Pingtan International Tourism Island Continental Team—established in 2022 and a frequent award-winner in international races—took on a new role as "Event Ambassadors," engaging in cultural exchanges and interactive rides. "Returning to our hometown as ambassadors is amazing," said Zhou Yifei, a rider from the team. "We want to share Pingtan's cycling culture and ocean charm with the world."

Organizers emphasized the race's connection to Pingtan's identity. Wang Gang, the event's operation director, noted that the route "fully showcases Pingtan's island characteristics," while Chen Min, an official at Pingtan's Tourism and Culture Bureau, highlighted its role in integrating sports, tourism, and culture. "We want riders to get to know Pingtan and fall in love with it," Chen explained. Shi Wen, from the event management team at Pingtan Straits Sports Industry Development Co., Ltd., added that the 10-year milestone is just the start: "We're focused on improving the event's international standards and rider experience."

The "Ocean Cup" has also boosted Pingtan's reputation, helping it win the title of "China's Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations" for five consecutive years and earning national honors like "China's Premium Sports Tourism Event" and "Most Influential Event Brand."