 |
| Permanent Vice Chairman of the City Nguyen Thanh Binh (right) presenting the yellow jersey award to the Stage 8 winner |
Welcoming the race delegation to Hue, Standing Member of the City Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the City Nguyen Thanh Binh emphasized that 2025 is a year of special significance as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of reunification. For the city, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Hue, National Tourism Year – Hue 2025, and the first year Hue becomes a centrally governed municipality. Therefore, the people and authorities of Hue are committed to doing their utmost in all areas to live up to the trust of the Central Government and the nation.
 |
| A sponsor representative presents 420 million VND to A Luoi District, the Nguyen Chi Thanh Talent Promotion Scholarship Fund, and the Hue Study Promotion Fund |
“The ‘United Homeland’ cycling race for the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup is a large-scale sports event that not only promotes the general physical training and cycling movement but also fosters cultural and historical connection and spreads positive values among regions across the country. During their stay in the ancient capital, we trust the athletes will have impressive experiences in a city rich in culture and history, and witness Hue’s strong recent development,” shared Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh.
 |
| Cycling club members from Hue in traditional ao dai outfits parading before the race begins |
Before the official competition started, 100 members from cycling clubs in Hue, dressed in traditional ao dai, rode across the two bridges - Truong Tien and Phu Xuan - creating a highlight and a graceful blend of tradition and modernity, of strength and speed with the gentleness typical of the ancient capital, conveying a message of hospitality and celebration of 50 years of national reunification.
Entering the race, over 100 riders from 15 domestic cycling clubs and international cyclists competed in 20 laps between Truong Tien and Phu Xuan, totaling a distance of 42km.
After the start, riders from Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City surged ahead to break from the main group. However, by lap 7, they could no longer maintain the pace and had to rejoin the group.
 |
| Passing by Morin Hotel |
In lap 15, a group of four riders launched a surprise attack, trying to break away from the crowd. But with narrow corners and insufficient straight stretches to maintain speed and distance, they were eventually reeled back in.
Lap 19 was quite intense as teams from Vinh Long, the Army, Military Zone 7, and Dong Nai accelerated with wind-assisted cornering maneuvers, while teammates pushed the pace to about 45km/h to prevent attacks from rivals.
In the final lap, approaching Phu Xuan Bridge, the main “pacemakers” from Vinh Long, An Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City pushed the speed higher but could not stop the French cyclist, Louis, from smartly sprinting into the lead.
 |
| The race unfolded vibrantly amid enthusiastic cheers from the people of the ancient capital |
In the final 50 meters, it seemed Louis would finish first, but a surprise twist occurred. Nick Kergozou (Team 620 Vinh Long Agriculture), who impressively won Stage 8 from Quang Binh to Hue, once again demonstrated his class. With powerful strides, the New Zealander executed a short-distance sprint and overtook Louis to become the winner of Stage 9: Truong Tien - Phu Xuan.
Tomorrow (April 13), the race continues with Stage 10: Hue City - Da Nang City, covering 109km and starting from Phu Van Lau (Le Duan Street). This leg is expected to be grueling as riders must conquer three mountain passes: Phuoc Tuong, Phu Gia, and Hai Van - with Hai Van Pass being a particularly formidable challenge for any cyclist.