Two cyclists ride through the virgin forest during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

The first bike race around Klu kicked off with altogether 31 cyclists from all over China at Tashigang Village, a Klu scenic spot, in southeast Tibet's Nyingchi Prefecture.

The race organizing committee didn't impose restrictions on ages or gender with the only condition as adjusting to highland cycling, and thus the youngest cyclist was 18 years old and the oldest was 60.

On the circular track, the race started from the square of the cultural palace of Tashigang Village along the tourist road, turned to State Highway 318 at the gate of the scenic spot, crossed the village's iron bridge and finally ended at the square with indicators and supply points set along the way.

The race consisted of men's and women's: men should cycle two runs with the entire course of 18 kilometers and women cycle one run with the course of 9 kilometers.

Xie Yongzhen from Lhasa and Shen Dan from Jiangsu Province won first place respectively in the men's and women's.

Shen said, "It's an honor to take part in the race. Although I panted a little during the race, the scenery was really charming, and hopefully I can attend it next time."

Zhao Xiaofeng, chief in charge of the event, said, "The track is praised as 'the most beautiful cycling track in the world'. It is the first time for Tibet to combine sports with tourism in a bid to promote its tourism and attract more domestic and foreign tourists."

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides through the virgin forest during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

One cyclist rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

A 60-year-old Tibetan man rides during the first bike race around Klu on Oct. 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]