LookAtVietnam – South Korean Yoo Ki-hong won the first stage of the HCM City Television Cycling Tour yesterday.

He finished in four hours, six minutes and 50 seconds to beat Tuan Anh, from Domesco Dong Thap, and Le Van Duan, of Sai Gon Plant Protection 1.

The South Korea team leads after the stage with a combined time of 12:21.56, followed by the Sai Gon Plan Protection 1 team and Domesco Dong Thap.

Domesco Dong Thap coach Tran Van Quyt said the stage was raced at high speeds because of continuing strong chases.

“The South Korea team is strong but local teams can compete with them,” he said.

“Yoo, who took the red jersey for the best climber in the race two years ago is in top form and the other riders will have to be at their best to contain him,” said Binh Duong Environment and Water Supply coach Banh Chan Quyen.

Today’s second stage covers 147km from Phan Thiet City to Ninh Thuan’s Phan Rang.

The tour offers total prize money of VND300 million (US$16,900) and has attracted 13 strong Vietnamese teams and others from South Korea, Mongolia and Laos.

The ninth and final stage on April 30 covers 161km from Bao Loc Town to HCM City. The finish coincides with Liberation Day in South Viet Nam.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News