October 14, 2025 — Under a crisp morning sky in Dingri County, 40 riders lined up at the start of Stage 4, the final chapter of the 2025 VAUDE Tianlu Cycling Challenge. Fatigue from the previous three stages was visible—taped wrists, sunburned faces, bandaged knees—but every rider’s eyes shone with determination. Mount Everest awaited.
The Ultimate Test: 103 Kilometers to Glory
The final stage covered 103 kilometers from Baiba in Dingri County to Everest Base Camp. Riders faced the legendary “108 Bends”—a winding, steep climb—before ascending to the 5,210-meter Gyatso La Pass. There, they were rewarded with a breathtaking view of five 8,000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. A 27-kilometer untimed descent led to the finish in Everest Village.
Where the first three stages were about survival, Stage 4 was about triumph. Every pedal stroke carried riders closer to a goal that transformed pain into purpose.
Men’s Finale: A Fierce Battle to the Summit
Jiang Village Luo (TC276) and Chilie Nima (TC266) broke away early, using their familiarity with the high-altitude terrain to push ahead. They crossed the timed finish line in first and second place, respectively.
Defending champion Tursunjiang Buerlike (TC130), who struggled through despair on Stage 3, rallied strongly to secure third. “This race pushed me further than I’ve ever been,” he said. “But today, I rode with all I had left.”
Women’s Category: Chen Meiyi Completes Dominant Victory
Chen Meiyi (TC268) continued her stunning form, riding solo from the start to claim her fourth consecutive stage win and secure the women’s overall title. Zhou Huiqian (TC193) finished second, with Zhang Yue (TC190) taking third.
“I came here with a dream, and I’m leaving with more than I imagined,” Chen said. “Every climb, every moment of loneliness on the bike, was worth it.”
Emotional Finish: Riders Face the Mountain and Themselves
At Gyatso La Pass, riders paused to look up at Everest—a moment that united exhaustion, pride, and awe.
“I may not be the strongest, but I am stubborn,” said Xu Weiwen (TC277), who completed all four stages. “When things got dark, I told myself: hold on, just a little longer. Seeing Everest now makes every struggle meaningful.”
For 50-year-old Li Zechao (TC238), the race was a dream three years in the making. Though he did not finish Stage 3, he reflected, “Everyone has their own Everest. If you keep striving, one day you’ll see yours.”
International riders also shared powerful reflections. Samuel Millar Clark (TC262) of VAUDE said, “This was the most extreme race of my life. Reaching Everest—it’s something you do once, and it stays with you forever.”
Julian Seemüller (TC265), who broke down in tears after Stage 3, finished with a smile. “Tonight, I will finally sleep,” he said. “But today, I ride.”
Not All Finish, But All Are Changed
Only one rider, Shang Tianxing (TC232), did not start Stage 4 due to health issues. All others reached the timed finish.
For some, like Wang Cheng (TC253), who was hit by a vehicle on Stage 1, finishing was a testament to resilience. “I’m already looking forward to coming back and finishing what I started,” he said.
A Final Salute to the Tianlu Spirit
As riders descended toward Everest Base Camp, the 2025 VAUDE Tianlu Everest Challenge closed with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. From the freezing camps at 4,800 meters to the relentless climbs and emotional breakdowns, the event tested more than physical strength—it revealed the depth of human spirit.
As one rider put it: “Tianlu feels like self-torture. But those who ride it understand: every time you push through what feels impossible, you become the hero of your own story.”
To every rider who turned “I can’t” into “I did”—this moment, this mountain, is yours.
