Riders compete at the East Mountain section of the 2020 Tour of Taiyuan in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Oct 11. [Photo/tynews.com.cn]

Cycling enthusiasts were uplifted both physically and mentally as the 2020 Tour of Taiyuan, an international road cycling race, started on Oct 11 in Taiyuan city, capital of North China's Shanxi province. 

Over 120 professional cyclists from 10 teams from all over China, along with 800 cycling amateurs, are participating in the competition. 

This year's cycling event runs from Oct 11 to 16 and is divided into six sections covering 600 kilometers across Taiyuan, Datong, Shuozhou, Lyuliang and Yangquan cities. The theme of this year's race is "riding across Shanxi and learning history."

Competitors fight to secure a prime position at the East Mountain section of the 2020 Tour of Taiyuan in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Oct 11. [Photo/tynews.com.cn]

The tourist roads on Taiyuan's East and West mountains are the event's main tracks, covering 229.5 km. The road network connects 200 unique landscapes, traditional villages and 20 suburban forest parks, and is a vital tourism, ecological and transportation line through the city from east and west. 

Taiyuan boosts a good environment and facilities for high-standard cycling events and a robust public foundation for the sport of cycling. Last year, national and international competitions such as the First Tour of Taiyuan, China BMX Cycling League, China Track Cycling League and China Mountain Bike League were held in the city.