148 participants from 12 different countries took part in the cycling race which by many was described as quite challenging, with one route of 53km and one of 28km. The race which is based on a Norwegian success is annual held in China and includes both semi-professionals and amateurs. It was the first time that the race was set to Yakeshi. The aim was both to promote a popular Norwegian sport and concept and at the same time encourage culture exchange in a new way. After a challenging two hour ride in the beautiful but hilly landscape of the northern part of Inner Mongolia, Terje Amundsen from Norway finished as number one followed by his Chinese competitors. On the women side Jennifer Hillman from Canada was the lucky winner of 10 000 rmb and Tone-Helene Aarvik from the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing reached the goal as a strong number three.
Participants from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Photo: Nordic WaysThe Race was a huge success and drew participants from China and abroad, but also the local community in Yakeshi was involved and thousands of people had taken the time to cheer and encourage the participants passing by. The race was also well covered by local and foreign media and reporters from CCTV 9 Saturday night news brought the event out to estimated 150 million viewers Saturday night. Nordic Ways which organized the event together with the local government in Yakeshi was very satisfied and showed great interest in doing a similar event next year.