The organisers of the Tour de France, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and Activation Group have that agreed that China will host the 'Tour de France Critérium' and a Chinese version of L'Etape in November. The Tour de France has already enjoyed an Asian connection since 2013, organising the end of season Saitama Criterium in Japan but the announcement marks the first move into China.
"We are very excited about Le Tour de France Branded Events in China. The bicycle plays an important role in our lives. This simple two-wheeled vehicle has been a reliable means of transport for decades. Nowadays, the bicycle industry is enjoying an unprecedented boom in China, while cycling is particularly popular among the young generation, not only as a means of transport but rather as a lifestyle choice," said Kathy Zhou, General Manager of Activation Sports and Director of the Tour de France Branded Events in China.
"We are confident that this year's Tour de France Branded Events in China will provide exciting racing and offer a wide range of opportunities for the public to see both professional and amateur riders close to where they live."
Tony Martin in too much pain to finish the Tour de France
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Tony Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) was a surprise non-finisher of the Tour de France despite starting Sunday’s final stage to Paris and riding into the French capital. The German preferred to pull out of the race after reaching the Champs Elysees due to severe knee pain. He quickly headed home after the stage in the hope of understanding the cause of the problem and to begin treatment so he can compete at the Rio Olympics.
“Unfortunately I had to end the Tour early yesterday due to severe knee pain. I am really disappointed,” Martin wrote on his personal website www.tony-martin.de.
“It is never good to have to abandon a race. Yesterday I absolutely wanted to start, so that I could help Marcel as much as possible in the finale. But after only 20 kilometres I knew that I couldn't do it, the pain was simply too much. The relaxed ride up to the Champs Elysees was good for me, but then I turned off directly to the bus.”
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