Riders sprint off the line to compete in the Songya Lake cycling race in Changsha county, on April 29. [Photo by Zhang Di / csxrmt.com]

The 2016 Changsha County Fitness Festival as well as the Fifth Cycling Race around Songya Lake sped off the line in Changsha county on April 29. This year's cycling event attracted nearly 1,500 cyclists from across Hunan province, the largest number in its history. There were two parts to the cycling activity, a competition section and a healthy cycling section.

Riders in the men's competition pedaled five laps around the inner ring of the lake, totaling 50 kilometers, while the female cyclists rode three laps, for a distance of 30 km.

The healthy cycling section allowed participants to take a leisurely ride with families or friends along the outer ring of the lake, which covers 15 km.

Cyclists race against one another around the Songya Lake, Changsha county, April 29. [Photo / Changsha Evening News]

Yuan Wei from Liuyang city, the winner of the women's competition, crossed the line of 30-km race in less than 48 minutes. She said that this year's event was much easier for her compared with the 50-km competition last year. She added joyfully that the great roads and beautiful scenery around Songya Lake make cycling comfortable and enjoyable, "I would love to ride here every day if I lived here." Chen Kai from Changsha city took home the winner's trophy for the men's 50-km race in a record time of 72 minutes 7 seconds.

The event, hosted by Changsha county Party committee and government, is expected to encourage residents to opt for low-carbon green travel options, such as cycling, and showcase the county's beautiful environment.