2025 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Road Cycling Race Concludes with Stunning Comeback Victory by Pita David

（Cassie Lyu in DONGYING, CHINA – June 15, 2025)– The 2025 "Haoyun Shandong" Yellow River Estuary Road Cycling Race concluded dramatically along the magnificent courses of Dongying, China's Yellow River Delta. Ecuadorian rider Pita David of HUANSHENG-VONOA-TAISHAN SPORT TEAM staged a remarkable comeback on Stage 2 (Longju), winning the stage and seizing the overall race lead. Through crucial time bonuses, David drew level on general classification with Stage 1 winner Alexander Salby of LI NING STAR, ultimately claiming the coveted Yellow Jersey by his higher stage placing. David also captured the Green Sprint Jersey as the race's most consistent finisher. Salby, who held both jerseys after Stage 1, suffered a mid-stage crash that hampered his final sprint, costing him the overall victory.

Historic UCI 2.2 Upgrade Marks Significant International Milestone

Held June 14-15 across Lijin County and Longju Town in Dongying City, Shandong Province, the race achieved a historic milestone – its first classification as a UCI Men's Elite 2.2 professional event, entering China's prestigious "Category B International Events" tier. The upgraded status attracted 20 elite professional teams and 110 riders from 10 countries/regions, significantly elevating both its scale and competitive level. Riders contested for four leader jerseys: Overall (Yellow), Sprint (Green), Best Greater China Rider (White), and Best Asian Rider (Blue) across two demanding stages: Lijin (138.7km / 86.2 mi) and Longju (137.8km / 85.6 mi).

Nestled on the shores of the Bohai Sea in northern Shandong, Dongying – the host city – is where the mighty Yellow River meets the ocean, home to the Shengli Oilfield, birthplace of the ancient military strategist Sun Wu, the cradle of Lüju Opera, and a region renowned for its vast wetlands. The Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Road Cycling Race, now in its ninth edition since its 2016 inception, has become a signature event showcasing Dongying's unique landscape and culture.

Stage Report: Drama, Crashes & A Final Day Showdown

Stage 1 (Lijin, 138.7km): German rider Alexander Salby (LI NING STAR) launched a powerful sprint 300 meters from the line, surging clear of the peloton to claim victory in 2h50m42s. He edged out Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan (TERENGGANU CYCLING TEAM, Malaysia) and sprinter Martin Laas (QUICK PRO TEAM). Salby donned both the Yellow Jersey (Overall Leader) and Green Jersey (Sprint Leader). Chinese riders shone brightly, with Liu Zhicheng (CAMP CYCLING TEAM) securing 8th place and the White Jersey (Best Greater China Rider). Stage runner-up Hamdan claimed the Blue Jersey (Best Asian Rider).

Stage 2 (Longju, 137.8km): Yellow Jersey holder Salby's fortunes shifted dramatically when a mid-race crash disrupted his rhythm. Though he courageously rejoined the lead group, he couldn't match the finishing speed of a dominant Pita David (HUANSHENG-VONOA-TAISHAN SPORT TEAM). David's stage win earned him vital time bonuses, miraculously pulling him level with Salby on the General Classification. Under race rules, David secured the overall victory and the Yellow Jersey based on his superior stage placing (1st vs Salby's lower finish). He also overtook Salby in the sprint points to claim the Green Jersey. Zhu Junwei (HKSI PRO CYCLING TEAM) delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 4th on the stage to secure the White Jersey as Best Chinese Rider. Mongolian rider Batsaikhan Tegshbayar (ROOJAI INSURANCE, Thailand) cemented his consistency with a strong GC position (3rd overall), locking down the Blue Jersey for Best Asian Rider.

Team Honors: Chinese Squads Dominate

Chinese teams demonstrated formidable depth in the overall team classification. HKSI PRO CYCLING TEAM (Hong Kong, China) claimed the Team Victory, with SHENZHEN KUNG CYCLING TEAM taking second place. Chinese squads swept four of the top five spots, with PINGTAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM ISLAND CYCLING TEAM and FNIX - SCOM - HENGXIANG CYCLING TEAM finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

The successful event provided a world-class platform for elite competition while boosting Dongying's international profile as a sports tourism destination. Alongside the professional race, amateur events (Men's Elite, Men's Masters, and Women's categories) attracted numerous cycling enthusiasts, fostering broader participation in the sport.

Participating Teams (20 Teams, 110 Riders)

 International Teams (10):

 TERENGGANU CYCLING TEAM (TSG) - Malaysia

 ROOJAI INSURANCE (ROI) - Thailand

 VICTORIA SPORTS PRO CYCLING TEAM (VSC) - Philippines

 NUSANTARA-BYC (NCT) - Indonesia

 St George Continental Cycling Team (STG) - Australia

 7ELEVEN CLIQQ - ROADBIKE PHILIPPINES (7RP) - Philippines

 QUICK PRO TEAM (QPT)

 Thailand National Team (THA)

 MONGOLIA NATIONAL TEAM (MGL)

 LX CYCLING TEAM (LXC) - South Korea

 Chinese Teams (10):

 LI NING STAR (LNS)

 HUANSHENG-VONOA-TAISHAN SPORT TEAM (HST)

 HKSI PRO CYCLING TEAM (HKS) - Hong Kong, China

 GIANT CYCLING TEAM (MSS)

 PINGTAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM ISLAND CYCLING TEAM (PIT)

 THE HURRICANE & THUNDER CYCLING TEAM (THT)

 CAMP CYCLING TEAM (CCT)

 FNIX - SCOM - HENGXIANG CYCLING TEAM (FNX)

 SHENZHEN KUNG CYCLING TEAM (KSZ)

 BRYTON RACING TEAM (BYT)