On the morning of October 9th, forty cyclists from China, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, and other regions gathered at Lhasa’s Potala Palace Square to begin the 2025 VAUDE Tianlu Cycling Challenge—a breathtaking 700-kilometer journey to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters above sea level.
Under the theme “Ride to the Sky, Ascend to Everest,” this year’s race marks the event’s tenth anniversary as one of China’s most iconic and demanding amateur cycling challenges. Riders embarked on a multi-day test of endurance and willpower across the roof of the world.
A Decade of High-Altitude Adventure
First organized in 2015, the Tianlu Challenge has grown into a comprehensive series featuring stage races, themed events, King of the Mountain climbs, and extreme endurance competitions. Sponsored by German outdoor brand VAUDE, the event combines elite sport with a deep respect for nature and Tibetan culture.
At the pre-race ceremony on October 8th, VAUDE Brand Manager Zhu Haiyan emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable outdoor gear designed for extreme conditions. “We continue to develop high-performance apparel that meets the demands of high-altitude cycling while honoring our environmental values,” she said.
Four Stages Through the Tibetan Plateau
The 2025 Everest edition is divided into four demanding stages:
- Lhasa to Chayang Co Lake
- Chayang Co Lake to Shigatse
- Shigatse to Dingri County (Baiba)
- Dingri County to Everest Base Camp
More than 90% of the route exceeds 4,000 meters in elevation, challenging riders not only with steep climbs and thin air, but also with spectacular scenery. The course passes landmarks like Yamdrok Lake, the Karola Glacier, the historic town of Gyantse, Lhatse—known as the home of Tibetan knives—and the G318 National Highway 5,000 km monument.
An Elite Field of Riders
This year’s race attracted over 300 applicants, with only 40 selected to start in Lhasa. The field includes notable riders such:
- Tursunjiang Buerlike: two-time champion of the 2018 and 2019 Tianlu Challenge
- Tang Wang Yip: Hong Kong cyclist and former continental race winner
- Yang Long: Chengdu-based rider competing in his fifth Tianlu Challenge
The oldest rider is 51-year-old Li Zechao from Guizhou, while the youngest is 21-year-old Chilie Nima from the JiaXueLong bike lights team.
A record 12 female riders are participating in this year’s Everest edition—the highest number in the event’s history.
Organized by the Tibet Autonomous Region Automobile, Motorcycle, and Cycling Sports Association and Guangzhou Langtu Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd., the 2025 VAUDE Tianlu Everest Challenge continues to push the boundaries of amateur cycling while celebrating the majestic landscapes and rich culture of the Tibetan Plateau.
