Cycling 

HCM CITY — Vietnamese cycling has been lifted to higher level after the Biwase Tour of Việt Nam 2026 and HCM City International Women’s Cycling Tournament 2026 are recognised part of the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI) official international calendar in the 2.2 category.

It is the first time in history that two women’s cycling events hosted in Việt Nam have simultaneously been included in the UCI’s official competition system, underscoring a significant step forward in the professional integration of Vietnamese women’s cycling.

The Biwase Tour of Việt Nam 2026 will take place from March 4 to 8 over five stages, starting in HCM City and finishing in Lâm Đồng Province.

The HCM City International Women’s Cycling Tournament which is known as the Biwase Cup 2026 will run from March 9 to 14.

Cyclists will race through Lâm Đồng to different localities and reach HCM City as final destination.

This year, 22 domestic and international teams will take part in the 1,300km events. They are seven of the hosts with both Vietnamese and international riders and a record of 15 foreign teams from Australia, Spain, Norway, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, China, Singapore and  Chinese Taipei.

Vietnamese No 1 cycling Nguyễn Thị Thật, the former Asian champion, will compete for medal under the jersey of Lộc Trời An Giang Group.

Along with Russian teammate Golyeava Valeria, she is expected to overcome challenges from Russian Zakharkina Valeriia and Natalia Frolova of Biwase team; Japanese Yurina Kinoshita of Vinama HCM City, Morrocan Mallika Benallal of Đồng Tháp Lottery.

Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ, vice president and general secretary of the Việt Nam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation, says the strong cyclists from Europe and top riders from across the continent have confirmed their participation. Their appearance will be competitive, providing an opportunity for Vietnamese riders to gain experience and hone their skills.

The back-to-back UCI 2.2 status is expected to elevate the profile of Vietnamese women’s cycling while offering valuable international exposure against high-calibre opponents. Organisers hope the milestone will serve as a springboard for long-term development, enhancing both competitive standards and Vietnam’s standing on the global cycling map.

According to Ngô Văn Lui, co-head of the tournament’s organising committee, designing the race route along scenic roads not only increases the level of difficulty but also helps promote the image of Vietnamese tourism.

“Each stage of the race is like a vivid film, showcasing the natural beauty, the people, and the hospitality of the localities it passes through,” he says.

Meanwhile, Cao Van Chóng, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports, assesses that the recognition of both races by the UCI is clear evidence of the city and its partners' capacity to organise large-scale cycling events.

The synchronised coordination, along with the positive response from the localities through which the race passes, created a solid foundation for a successful season.

The overall winners with the lowest aggregate time will take the yellow jersey. The green jersey will be awarded for the best sprinter while the polka-dot jersey is for the “Queen of the Mountains”. The best young rider will take the white jersey and the tournaments' most beautiful athletes will earn the pink jersey.

In addition, winner of each stage will also get their prizes. Their results at the Vietnamese tours will be counted for world ranking.

Beyond a 1,300km road challenge, this year’s events represent a defining milestone for Vietnamese women’s cycling, signalling its transition from a regional playing field to a more prominent position within the international racing system. — VNS