More than 100 riders from 17 teams, including eight international squads and nine from across China, are competing in the Sixth China Xizang Trans-Himalaya International Cycling Race, which began Wednesday in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region.

Co-hosted by the General Administration of Sport, China Media Group, and the regional government of Xizang, this event is licensed by Union Cycliste Internationale and classed as a UCI Men's Elite 2.1 professional series race for the first time.

The five-day race covers a distance of 420.58 kilometers. Riders will race across four stages between the cities of Nyingchi, Lhokha, Lhasa, and Shigatse, navigating some of China's most dramatic Himalayan landscapes.

An opening ceremony for the event in Lhasa on Wednesday morning concluded with cultural performances.

The races begin on Aug 7 in Nyingchi, and the closing and award ceremony will be in Shigatse on Aug 10.