The grand opening of the "2023 Giro d'Italia RIDE LIKE A PRO Yangtze River Delta Open." was on May 20. The event was hosted by the Shanghai Administration of Sports, the People's Government of Qingpu District in Shanghai Municipality, the People's Government of Wujiang District in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and the People's Government of Jiashan County in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province. Co-organizers of the event included the Qingpu District Administration of Sports, Wujiang District Administration of Culture, Sports, Broadcasting, and Tourism, Jiashan County Administration of Culture, Broadcasting, Tourism, and Sports, Shanghai Qingpu New City Development (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Qingpu Cultural & Tourism Development (Group) Co., Ltd., and Endeavor China. The Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Zone Executive Committee provided guidance and support, while the Shanghai Cycling Association served as a co-organizer. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of the Olympic gold medalist Zhong Tianshi, Legend Rider Andy Schleck, and over 20 elite domestic and foreign cyclists.

This is the third time that the Giro d’italia RIDE LIKE A PRO Yangtze River Delta Open has been successfully launched in Qingpu, Shanghai. Over the past years since its inception, the event has been closely bound up with the demonstration area of the ecological green integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta. In alignment with national strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the Import Expo, it is dedicated to creating a highly influential cycling event and featured festival in the region.

The event not only brings advanced event management concepts to Chinese cycling sports, promoting a deep integration of national fitness and health, but also leverages the construction goals of Qingpu New Town. By organizing a cycling event having the high aesthetics of beautiful Jiangnan characteristics, it facilitates interactions between Qingpu, Wujiang, and Jiashan. On the occasion of the fourth year of the Yangtze River Delta, it showcases the fruitful results of its ecological green integrated development to the world.

Scheduled for May 20th and 21st, this year's event comprises a circuit race with various competition groups on the 20th and the 88km road race on the 21st. The road race route traverses three areas within the integrated demonstration zone, commencing and concluding in Qingpu District, Shanghai. It will pass through Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, as well as Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Ever since the inaugural Giro d'Italia RIDE LIKE A PRO Yangtze River Delta Open in China, the event has consistently upheld the standards set by renowned international competitions. This commitment has played a pivotal role in expediting the transformation and upgrading of the sports industry and its related sectors in the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Zone. Furthermore, it serves as a vibrant showcase of the demonstration zone's prosperous new image to both domestic and international audiences.

Launching Ceremony

After the previous two events in 2019 & 2020, the "RIDE LIKE A PRO Giro d'Italia Yangtze River Delta Open" and the "Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Area" have grown together. This event has developed into a grand gathering for cycling enthusiasts. At the opening ceremony, Zhang Quanquan, the deputy secretary of the Qingpu District Committee, gave a welcome speech. He said, "Sports is an important manifestation of a city's soft power and an important carrier for fulfilling people's aspiration for a high-quality life. As the host, Qingpu will cooperate with Wujiang and Jiashan and make this year’s event much safer, more successful, more exciting, and more unforgettable. At the same time, we will be dedicated to build a strong sports community, fully facilitate the vitality of regional development, and continue to lead the new trend of healthy life for all!”

Mr. Zhang Quanquan

Gu Jun, Vice Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Director of the Shanghai Development and Reform Commission, and Director of the Executive Committee of the Integrated Demonstration Zone, shared the following sentiments: "The Yangtze River Delta region not only boasts stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural characteristics but also stands as the most dynamic region in China concerning national fitness, the sports industry, and sports events. The Giro d'Italia Yangtze River Delta Open Race, as an international and professional cycling event, represents one of the largest, high-level, and most influential cycling events to have taken place in the Yangtze River Delta in recent years. Through hosting this event, we aim to foster closer collaboration among the governments of Qingpu, Wujiang, and Jiashan, thereby showcasing our shared vision of development, co-construction, and mutually beneficial cooperation in the integrated development demonstration zone of the Yangtze River Delta."

Mr. Gu Jun

During the opening ceremony, the host engaged in a lively conversation with the Olympic champion Zhong Tianshi and the legendary cyclist Andy Schleck. They enthusiastically shared their personal cycling experiences in Qingpu, expressing their sheer joy in the sport and their anticipation for the race. They also unveiled the full route details for the 88-kilometer road race. Recognized as an exemplary local cyclist, Zhong was bestowed with the honor of serving as the event's ambassador. In her role, she expressed, "The meticulously designed race route showcases the breathtaking scenery that unfolds throughout the journey, encompassing culturally vibrant destinations such as Qingpu, Wujiang, and Jiashan. We extend a warm invitation to more enthusiasts to join us in this memorable cycling adventure along this remarkable route."

Legendary cyclist Andy Schleck, who is making his second appearance in the Giro d'Italia Yangtze River Delta Open, was profoundly impacted by the 2019 race. He fondly reminisced about his extraordinary cycling experience amidst the lush greenery. Eagerly anticipating this year's enhanced course, he is excited to explore the distinct road racetrack that epitomizes the essence of the Giro d'Italia Yangtze River Delta. He looks forward to immersing himself in the enchanting allure of the Jiangnan region and the unique characteristics of its modern towns.

Olympic champion Zhong Tianshi and legendary cyclist Andy Schleck

The event was proudly presented by Shanghai Agricultural Commercial Bank, with generous support from its official designated electric vehicle partner, Cadillac LYRIQ. Additional sponsors included Douben Dou, the official plant protein beverage partner; ElectroX, the official water and sports drink partner; Oakley, the official eyewear partner; Luminox, the official watch partner; Shokz Shaoyin, the official sports headphone partner; GIANT, the official bicycle brand; and Insta360, the official action camera partner. Douyin, the exclusive short video partner platform, and RED, the official content partner platform, will collaborate to promote a diverse range of content, encouraging public participation and interaction across various social media platforms. This collaboration aims to present comprehensive event highlights from multiple perspectives while fostering nationwide engagement both online and offline.

Since its inaugural arrival in China in 2019, the Giro d'Italia RIDE LIKE A PRO Yangtze River Delta Open has garnered an immense following among cycling fans and enthusiasts nationwide. From the picturesque Dianshan Lake to the serene Taipu River and the idyllic west bank of the Mao River, the racecourse meanders through verdant trees and pristine waters. Cycling enthusiasts and tourists from all corners of the country converge upon this popular location, united in witnessing the remarkable progress of the demonstration zone. The event's exceptional organization and diverse range of activities have deepened the interconnectedness of the three locations within the demonstration zone, forging strong economic and cultural bonds. As a result, it has become a beloved sports event IP within the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Zone, celebrated for its enduring legacy.