The route of the "Muong Bo X-Rice - Soaring over Golden Rice Waves" mountain bike race winds through picturesque terraced fields.

The race officially got under way in Muong Bo Commune on the morning of July 26, attracting nearly 200 cyclists from 16 clubs inside and outside the province, along with large crowds of residents and visitors who came to watch and cheer.

Competitors tackled a 25-kilometre mixed-terrain course in individual and team events divided by age group: young men and women aged 40 and under; middle-aged men and women aged 41-50; and senior men aged 51 and above.

Riders set off at the start of the race.

Muong Bo is blessed with forests, clear streams and terraced fields stretching along mountain slopes. During the rice-ripening season, its valleys turn a shimmering gold, creating a distinctive highland landscape.

That same landscape formed the race course. With challenging terrain and sweeping bends, riders delivered lively and compelling competition, creating a vibrant sporting spectacle.

Cyclists accelerate along the course.

Bui Thi Binh of the Lao Cai LCC Club said the course was special because it combined challenging terrain with beautiful views of ripening rice terraces. The lively atmosphere and enthusiastic support from local residents, she added, made the race a memorable experience for the athletes.

Large crowds of local residents cheer on the racers.

Rich in cultural identity, blessed with beautiful scenery and known for friendly, hospitable people, Muong Bo also drew many visitors during the race. Ngo Thuy Trang from Cam Duong Ward, Lao Cai, said: "I am very impressed by the scenery here. The terraced fields and clear streams create such a relaxing feeling and help me forget the stresses of everyday life for a while."

Through the race, Muong Bo introduces visitors to its beautiful natural landscapes and distinctive cultural identity.

Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Acting Chairman of the Muong Bo Commune People's Committee, said the mountain bike race both promotes physical exercise and sports and provides an opportunity to showcase local landscapes, culture and people. Muong Bo is gradually tapping its potential to develop agriculture in conjunction with community-based, experiential and sports tourism, with culture as the foundation, nature as an advantage and local people at the centre of development.

The Organizing Committee presented awards to outstanding competitors.

The success of the inaugural race provides a foundation for Muong Bo to further improve and elevate the event, with the goal of making it an annual sports-and-tourism fixture. The initiative is expected to promote community-based and experiential tourism, improve living standards and support socio-economic development, gradually establishing Muong Bo as an attractive destination in Lao Cai Province.

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