While Europe is engaged in the Tour de France, China is preparing to stage the twenty-fifth edition of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai scheduled from July 11 to 18. A fascinating race with a unique flavor, year after year it has earned a prominent role in the Asian calendar also thanks to breathtaking scenery and routes that are not as simple as they seem. A characteristic feature of the Chinese stage race is certainly the altitude, during the racing days riders will pedal between 2500 and 3800 meters in height that will put all the athletes competing to the test.

1355 km all concentrated in Qinghai, a Chinese province that gives its name to the race and is characterized by the famous lake, eight stages mostly suited to sprinters and climbers who will have to deal with interesting terrain to test themselves on. Many mountains and climbs, but always regular ascents where making a difference could prove very difficult. It will certainly be an exciting stage race full of surprises that could be decided by an incredible move or remain open until the very last moment. To facilitate logistics, the organization has structured the race stages strategically and very often the finish city corresponds with the start of the next day.

The race starts from the traditional circuit in the city of Xining, a 121 km course tested many times, 8 rather simple laps perfect for a sprint finish. The second day of racing will be of a completely different nature, with its 225 km on the program it is one of the longest of the edition and will test the peloton. The finish is formally downhill and the last 20 km are quite straightforward, but athletes will have to face the formidable climbs of Belshan, right after the start with the summit at 3400 m, and that of Bahadaban positioned halfway through the course. The race restarts from Menuyan for the third stage of 168 km that promises to be very particular: the route will be all in slight descent until the start of the Twelve Bends slope climb and then that of Huangyakou, the summit is at 34.5 km and from that moment there will be a long descent to the finish. The Huzhu – Guide is just under 200 km and after an initial part of the race with various ups and downs the peloton will face the hors categorie climb of Zongkalaize, it's 11 km, but the average gradient is only 5%. In this case too the finish will be at the end of a long descent.

After the halfway point the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai restarts with Guide - Gonche and approaches the lake area. The climb begins after just 20 km and the summit of Yunshang Bakatai will be reached, a rideable ascent, the last 90 km will be rolling before a long descent that will lead to the finish. A full 233 km for the longest stage of this edition, the Gonche Gangcha will take place entirely around Qinghai Lake and will be perfect for the fast wheels. After the first two initial climbs, the remaining 190 will all be rolling, but free of major difficulties, but remember that the finish will still be above 3000 m of altitude. The suggestive panoramas will also be protagonists of the Gancha - Xihaizehn characterized by the hors categorie climb of Taongbaoshan with the summit 34 km from the finish. The grand finale offers a rolling finish at approximately 3400 m of altitude with a breathtaking view of Qinghai Lake that will crown the winner of the general classification.

Below is the complete list of stages:

1st stage Xining – Xining 121 km / Saturday July 11

2nd stage Huangyuan – Menyuan 225 km / Sunday July 12

3rd stage Menyuan – Huzhu 168 km / Monday July 13

4th stage Huzhu – Guide 196 km / Tuesday July 14

5th stage Guide – Gonche 136 km / Wednesday July 15

6th stage Gonche – Gangcha 233 km / Thursday July 16

7th stage Gancha – Xihaizehn 130 km / Friday July 17

8th stage Xihaizehn – Qinghai Lake scenic area 146 km / Saturday July 18