LookAtVietnam – Spectators in Soc Trang and Hau Giang provinces were entertained by a competitive cycling race on July 16 as riders pedalled through the region in the fifth stage of the National Women’s Cycling Open.

Dark horse: Cao Thi Cam Mien smiles as she reaches the finish line of the National Women’s Cycling Open’s fifth stage. It was Mien’s first stage win after her lacklustre start to the cycling competition.

Although rainy weather posed difficulties for the riders, the cool air helped them reserve their energy for attacks.

Phan Thi Thuy Trang, currently in yellow, of Agifish An Giang, Pham Thi Thuy Lien from Domesco Dong Thap, Vo Thi Phuong Phi of Binh Duong Water Supply and Malaysian Azian Alias are currently the top four riders. All have a chance to win the tour. They tried to launch consecutive escapes yesterday but careful monitoring by all of the top contenders kept the race in check.

While the quartet focused on each other, Cao Thi Cam Le of Binh Duong Water Supply successfully ran away from the peloton at the 75km mark. Mien and Le Thi Ngoc Phuong of Domesco Dong Thap caught up with her after 8km.

Le used too much energy in the first half of the race and tired out. She was eventually left behind near the finish line.

Mien overtook Phuong in the last 5m to win her first stage with a time of two hours 31 minutes four seconds.

Phuong was second, followed by Alias eight seconds later.

Trang came in with the second group to finish the stage but still keeps the yellow jersey with a total time of 10:47.35. Trang is almost sure to take the title with only two short stages remaining.

Domesco Dong Thap pushed Binh Duong Water Supply down to third place to lead the team rankings. Agifish An Giang came second.

Today’s sixth stage from Vi Thanh in Hau Giang province to Rach Gia in Kien Giang province is only 62km.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News