Cyclists head off from the starting line at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane on Saturday.  --Photo Lao National Radio

Cycle race lends muscle to Laos-Vietnam solidarity

Hundreds of cyclists from various organisations and clubs on Saturday gathered in Vientiane for a friendly event to celebrate Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year, the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam friendship and cooperation treaty, and the 60th anniversary of Laos-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
President of the National Assembly, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, and the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Nguyen Ba Hung, were present to kick off the race, along with senior officials from the two countries.
The event was co-organised by the Lao National Assembly and the Vietnamese Embassy to Laos.
Cyclists could choose between two routes, with the first starting at the That Luang esplanade heading to Chao Fa Ngum park and back to the esplanade.
The second, longer, course also started at the That Luang esplanade and passed by several landmarks in the capital on the way to Thanaleng, from where cyclists returned to the esplanade.
The winners of each race received cups and souvenirs from the competition organising committee. 

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 26, 2022)