One of the biggest cycling races in Asia concluded with a short 66km stage held on the tree-lined streets of Xining (the Capital of Qinghai). It was estimated that a crowd in excess of 50,000 turned out to watch the last day of cycling action. The riders sped through the streets at an average of over 50km/h and no breakaway was allowed to stay away for long. A frenetic bunch sprint ensued and it was Mehdi Sohrabi from the TPT Iranian team taking the win to cap off an extremely successful Tour for the Iranian outfit. They also take home more than $110,000USD in prize money, making for an excellent pay-day for all the riders on the team.

Since the final day was held in the middle of Xining, there is no beautiful scenery to show like the previous days but I will show you some of the race action and the crowds that lined the streets! It was a brilliant 10 days of Tour racing with the stunning backdrop of scenery – as you have seen from my other postings on the Qinghai Lake Tour.  It was very hectic as I was the official photographer and reporter for Cycling News Asia as well as fitting in my own training rides at altitude and socializing with the riders.

Askari in Yellow looking very comfortable with the help of teammates

Blurred action from the riders...

Amore & Vita Conad riders cornering together

Medhi Sohrabi winning the bunch kick

The Qinghai Lake Tour Jersey winners

One of the many soldiers controlling crowds in Xining

A cute Xining female cop marshalling on the course

Me with Cycling Legend Mike Carter - he has done all the Grand Tours!

It was a brilliant 10 days of Tour racing with the stunning backdrop of scenery – as you have seen from my other postings on the Qinghai Lake Tour.  It was very hectic as I was the official photographer and reporter for Cycling News Asia and Champion System as well as fitting in my own training rides at altitude and socializing with the riders. Stay  tuned for more up-dates from me soon!