Pu'Er: Stage neutralised due to prolonged heavy rainfall

Stage 4 of this year's event in Pu'Er carried the title "The Coffee & Tea Ride", but who could have thought that that was exactly what it would turn out to be. Heavy rain had been striking the Pu'Er area for days, causing mudslides here and there and generally creating unsafe road conditions for a cycling competition. However, our event's race director decided not to cancel the event, but to just neutralise the race under the principle of 'let them ride'. The more than 1300 participants were permitted to ride the full 106km course at their own pace, as long as within the cut-off times. No race, no results, no podium ceremonies. The decision was praised by the participants with applause upon announcement and 95% of the registered riders would later complete the Pu'Er stage successfully.

There were of course no changes in the general classification and age group rankings.

Despite the conditions, Pu’Er did leave some great lasting memories and we are looking forward to next year already to ride again through the famous hilly tea plantations here.