Cyclists pedaled across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and passed through multiple border checkpoints non-stop during the first-ever cross-border National Games competition linking Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao on Saturday, marking a landmark achievement for regional integration.

The race began at 9 am at the Zhuhai Museum and finished at about 2:30 pm. Shandong's Liu Zhicheng claimed the gold medal, crossing the finish line in five hours, 17 minutes and five seconds, followed by Beijing's Xue Chaohua, who took silver, and Yunnan's Hu Haijie, who secured the bronze. Hong Kong's top finisher was Chu Tsun-wai, who placed 15th.

The 231.8-kilometer route was designed to link, symbolically and physically, the three regions of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Athletes were required to pass through the three places' border ports a total of six times during the race. Over 200 racers and team support personnel gathered at the starting point early in the morning to undergo comprehensive security clearance.

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Having pre-registered their personal information, they were issued with exclusive wristbands and helmets fitted with multiple radio-frequency identification chips. Following identity verification through facial recognition and fingerprint checks, participants entered a closed-loop management system for the event.

Hong Kong team representative Tommy Wu Chun-yin expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

“Having the chips placed in various locations means if one scanner misses a chip, another will pick it up, which I find very important. The wristband is also comfortable and doesn't feel restrictive at all,” Wu said before the race.

The race convoy entered the Hong Kong section at around 10:20 am, following a spectacular crossing of the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Riders then tackled a 55.8-kilometer segment that took them through the Hong Kong Port Artificial Island, the North Lantau Highway, and Penny’s Bay Highway. The course offered a unique backdrop as it wound past the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where athletes made a U-turn before heading back to Zhuhai.

To give the public a front-row seat to this historic occasion, a dedicated viewing area was set up along Fantasy Road near the U-turn. Racers sped past the venue at approximately 11:15 am, greeted by spectators’ cheers and applause.

Among them were groups of local students, including Form Four student Chloe Yeung, who experienced a large-scale sporting event up close for the first time.

“It was so exhilarating to see the racers speed past right in front of me,” Yeung said. “I knew this was a historic event — the first cross-border race linking Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Seeing so many Hong Kong athletes participating was incredibly thrilling.”

Yeung noted that such large-scale events are rare in Hong Kong. “Realizing I was witnessing this inaugural cross-border event and could be here to personally encourage the athletes made me excited,” she added. “The atmosphere was fantastic. I hope our school organizes more trips to events like this in the future — I would definitely join.”

A leading teacher surnamed Cheng said while the racers sped past in a flash, the experience allowed them to truly feel the intensity of the speed and appreciate the extensive operation behind the scenes.

“Seeing everything from the cyclists to the full complement of support vehicles demonstrated a thoroughly well-organized and complete event,” he said, adding that the school will also take students to watch the rugby sevens event next.

Form Five student Yu Xin-shun said that the event provides an important opportunity to foster greater integration and development within the Greater Bay Area, while also facilitating valuable exchanges among young people.

“For example, having Hong Kong athletes participate in this competition creates meaningful opportunities for exchange,” Yu explained. “We can learn from the Chinese mainland's advanced training methods and well-established sports systems, which are widely recognized for their excellence.”

The race also attracted enthusiastic spectators on the other side of the border. In Zhuhai, parents brought their children to witness this major sporting event, and to experience the spirit of the National Games on their doorstep.

Many Hong Kong residents made a special trip north to witness the event from the starting line. "I specifically came to Zhuhai and stayed overnight just to watch the race, even though it was over in a flash," said a resident surnamed Cheng. "With travel to the mainland being so convenient now, it’s also good for a short travel."

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com