The fourth International Women’s Cycling Tournament (Biwase Cup 2014) officially kicked off in the southern province of Binh Duong on March 7.

The event drew the participation of 70 cyclists from 11 local teams and three teams from Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

The annual tournament aims to provide local cyclists with a good opportunity to hone their professional skills and gain experience from foreign competitors in preparation for regional and international competitions.

Nguyen Thi That from the Vinh Binh An Giang Rice team won the 105-km first stage from Binh Duong to the Xuan Loc district of southern Dong Nai province on the same day, with a time of 3:18:53.

With a total time of 9:56: 39, the Vinh Binh An Giang Rice team also took the lead in the team event, followed by the teams from the Binh Duong Environment Water and Drainage company and Japan.

As scheduled, the cyclists will compete in an 80-km stage from Bao Loc city to the Duc Trong district of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on March 8.

The tournament will run until March 14.-VNA