Riders compete in the mountain bicycle championships. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_8b53f1526873]

The "Exciting Hangzhou" 2023 National Mountain Bicycle Championships commenced at the Chun'an Jieshou Sports Center Mountain Bike Course, located alongside the beautiful Qiandao Lake, on July 24, local media outlets reported.

Mountain biking, a thrilling off-road race, unfolded on rugged and natural obstacle-filled trails, with occasional artificial barriers for added challenge.

The highly-anticipated competition comprises four main categories: Cross-Country (Youth Men/Women, Elite Men/Women), Elimination Cross-Country (Youth Men/Women, Elite Men/Women), Team Events (Elite Men/Women), and Team Relay, making for a total of 11 exciting sub-events.

More than 100 athletes from 14 teams across the country have registered to participate, competing fiercely for the coveted titles in each of the 11 categories.

Each lap of the competition track spans approximately 4.86 kilometers and features 21 technical challenges, providing a test of the riders' skills and determination.

Wei Qianqian from Jiangsu secured the championship in the Elite Women's Cross-Country race, while Xu Shanliuhui from Shandong emerged victorious in the Youth Women's Cross-Country event. In the Men's categories, Ma Hao from Yunnan clinched the title in the Elite Men's Cross-Country, while Wang Sheng from Guizhou triumphed in the Youth Men's Cross-Country.

On July 25, the action continues with the Elimination Cross-Country (Elite Men/Women, Youth Men/Women) and the Team Relay races.

Riders compete in the mountain bicycle championships. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_8b53f1526873]