Bicycle race kicks off to mark Dien Bien Phu victory

A bicycle race entitled “Back to Dien Bien Phu” kicked off in central Hanoi on May 1 to mark the 65th anniversary of the resounding Dien Bien Phu Victory, which ended French rule in Vietnam.

The first stage of the race around Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi (Photo: Bao Van hoa)
The first stage of the race around Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi (Photo: Bao Van hoa)

The tournament, jointly organised by the People’s Army Newspaper and the Vietnam Cycling Federation, has drawn the participation of nearly 300 bikers from ten Vietnamese teams and two foreign teams, from Japan and the Philippines.

The first stage took place around Hoan Kiem Lake on May 1 and the final stage is scheduled for the afternoon of May 6, with four rounds in the city of Dien Bien Phu.

Over the six-day event, racers will pass through historic sites associated with the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, including National Highway 6, Moc Chau, Pha Din Pass, Tuan Giao and Dien Bien Phu.

On the sidelines of the tournament, the organisers and sponsors will award presents to veterans, underprivileged students and policy beneficiaries in Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Son La and Dien Bien provinces.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the organisers offered incense to President Ho Chi Minh at the D67 House and the Presidential Palace as well as the Statue of Emperor Ly Thai To in central Hanoi.