Race Overview and Challenging Course
On November 23, Ningde Fuding Dieshi Township hosted the exciting 2024 Fuding Dieshi National Hill Climb Race. The event attracted 273 cycling enthusiasts from across China to compete in this challenging competition.
The race followed the scenic Route 972 section between Kukou and Zhuyang. Riders started at the impressive Kukou starting point and finished at the magnificent Dieshi Shuicang, covering a demanding 9.7-kilometer course with 551.2 meters of elevation gain.
The course featured an average gradient of 5.7% and an elevation difference of 549.4 meters, allowing participants to experience both intense competition and breathtaking natural scenery. The cement-paved route incorporated sharp turns and steep climbs, utilizing the natural terrain and dense vegetation to create an ecological yet challenging cycling course.
Competition Categories and Podium Finishers
The race featured four competition categories: Men’s Road, Men’s Mountain Youth, Men’s Mountain Master, and Women’s category. Participants across all groups pushed their limits while enjoying the picturesque racing conditions.
After intense competition, the podium finishers emerged. Yang Jiongfeng claimed victory in the Men’s Road category, with Gao Liang and Lu Yixin securing second and third places respectively. Yu Zhonghao won the Men’s Mountain Youth group, followed by Feng Jianjun and Lou Weijie. Jin Zhaowei topped the Men’s Mountain Master category, with Ye Jian’an and Wang Jiadong completing the podium. In the Women’s category, Shen Xiaomin took the championship, with Wu Wenmin and Xue Liyun earning second and third place honors.
Cultural Activities and Community Engagement
Beyond the competitive racing, the event offered diverse cultural activities. The “Go Dieshi” creative interactions showcased local Fuding cuisine and Dieshi specialties, while ecological wellness experiences highlighted rural traditions.
Additional attractions included the “Fresh Dieshi” photography exhibition and lantern riddle contests focusing on clean governance and ecological themes, all of which drew significant visitor participation.
The event demonstrated how sports can activate urban energy and support rural revitalization. Fuding Dieshi Township has embraced the “green mountains and clear waters are invaluable assets” development philosophy, working to establish a rural ecotourism destination that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage through sports-integrated leisure activities.
This recurring event has not only provided cycling enthusiasts with a platform to challenge themselves but has also become a showcase for Dieshi Township’s beautiful ecological environment and unique cultural charm.
