Returning once again to what is a hugely important home race for the team, the Champion System squad has been handed a Tour of Beijing wildcard for the second consecutive season. One year ago it was granted a place in the event after the Argos Shimano team decided not to take part due to political tensions in the region.
This time round, the Champion System squad has been given a nod despite the fact that the full complement of 19 WorldTour teams will participate.
The race runs from October 11th to 15th and is the final WorldTour contest of the season. Champion System general manager Ed Beamon underlines the importance of the event to the team and will instruct his riders to compete aggressively and be as prominent as possible.
“The Tour of Beijing is without doubt the premier cycling event in Asia and for our Asian based team, it was a highlight of our 2012 season,” he said.
“Especially for our Chinese athletes, it was an experience they will always remember and an important step in their evolution as international professional cyclists.
“There is always something unique and special about a WorldTour stage race and I think it is really vital for our guys to experience the organisation and professionalism of a major cycling event. It adds to their motivation and desire to take themselves to the highest level.”
The team lineup will be confirmed closer to the race. Indications are that there will be a strong Chinese presence in the selection, which is to be expected due to the team’s origin.
According to Alain Rumpf, the director of the event organisers Global Cycling Promotion, inviting a Chinese-registered team is an important part in using the race to develop the sport and its globalisation.
“The Champion System invitation is a natural progression as the only Pro Continental team registered in China, and the presence of national champion Xu Gang was pivotal in the local media’s interest in the race in 2012,” he said.
“Their involvement in the event provides an opportunity for their Chinese and Asian riders to shine before their public and test themselves against the world's best riders.”
He added that the team’s aggressive ride last year was noticed and repaid the organisers for the wild card invitation.
Responding to that, Beamon said that the repeat invite is a “great validation” for the team and is one which gives the riders a indication that their efforts in 2012 were appreciated.
He is clear that his riders will be very fired up for the event. “It has been the primary target for many of the guys on the team since the season began and provides tremendous motivation for them as we enter the later part of the season.
“Of course it is great for our sponsor, Champion System, which has for so many years supported the growth of competitive cycling in Asia and especially in China.”
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This year’s race begins on October 11th with a 190.5 kilometre race from Shunyi to Huairou Studio City. It is likely to finish in a bunch sprint, while day two is lumpy, day three is mountainous and day four features the first-ever summit finish in the history of the race, Mentougou Miaofeng Mountain.
The race then concludes on October 15th with a 117 kilometre flat race from Tian an men Square to Bird’s Nest Piazza.
2013 Tour of Beijing:
Stage one, Friday, 11th October: Shunyi to Huairou Studio City (190.5 km)
Stage two, Saturday 12th October: Huairou Studio City to Yanqing (201.5 km)
Stage three, Sunday 13th October: Yanqing to Qiandiajian (176km)
Stage four, Monday 14th October: Yanqing to Mentougou Miafeng Mountain (150.5 km)
Stage five, Tuesday 15th October: Tian an men Square to Bird’s Nest Piazza (117 km)
For a route breakdown, go here: