Gaciron Lights Team Dominates Stage 1, Secures Individual and Team Victory!

Oct 10, 2025 by Gaciron

Gaciron Dominates Stage 1!
A double victory at the 2025 Ride Across Tibet: Everest Extreme Cycling Challenge, claiming both the individual lead and the top team position.

Race Recap

The 2025 Ride Across Tibet: Everest Extreme Cycling Challenge commenced at 7:00 AM this morning.

The Gaciron Champion Team faced their first trial: a grueling 191-kilometer (118-mile) stage from Lhasa to Chayang Cuo Scenic Area, with a strict 10-hour cut-off time. This route, known as the "Prelude to the Sky," began with gentle gradients before giving way to long, arduous climbs on the plateau. The altitude escalated relentlessly from 3,400 meters to 4,800 meters (11,155 ft to 15,748 ft), testing the riders' endurance and resolve with every single meter of ascent.

This year's event features a formidable field, including former UCI professional riders, continental race champions, and numerous veterans with years of experience racing on the plateau. The immense concentration of talent and intensely fast pace have set the stage for a truly grueling test of endurance.

The Early Race: A Bold Breakaway

Shortly after the timed segment began, Gaciron's riders Tursunjan Burelik (TC130) and Zhang Tao (TC080) staged a bold attack. They quickly established a two-man breakaway, working together to maintain a steady lead. They were followed by Belarusian rider Artsiom Rusanauka (TC216), holding third position alone. Chasing behind him was the main peloton, a group of over a dozen riders.

The Final Climb: Tursunjan Secures the Win

As the race entered the relentless climb of the Gangbala Mountain, local Tibetan rider Jiacun Luobu (TC276) leveraged his home-field advantage and yak-like endurance to set a fierce pace. He overtook the leaders to be the first to reach the Gangbala Mountain summit pass, with Tursunjan and Artsiom close behind.

After descending from the pass, Tursunjan and Jiacun Luobu rode together, matched in a tense duel all the way to the finish line. In the final sprint, Tursunjan launched his attack and crossed the line first, claiming victory in Stage 1, with Jiacun Luobu taking a well-earned second place.

Stage 2 Road Book: Chayang Cuo Scenic Area - Rize
Date: Day 2, October 10th

Route Analysis
The stage kicks off with a challenging 5 km climb, ascending to its highest point at 5,046 meters above sea level. Following this, the route is predominantly downhill, descending to approximately 3,800 meters. Riders will face rolling terrain before arriving at Jiangzi County at the 43 km mark—a key section where attacks from competitors are highly likely. After passing through Jiangzi County, the course transitions into flat, high-speed highway sections.

Key Highlights

  • Shortly after the start, the route passes by the Karola Glacier, one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers.

  • The journey continues through Jiangzi County, renowned as the "Heroic Ancient City."

  • The official support station is located at the Jiangzi Zongshan Hero Monument Plaza, a site commemorating the local resistance against the British invasion in 1904.

Important Notes

  • Total Distance: 171 km. The timing starts immediately as the flag drops.

  • Timed Finish: The timed section concludes at the 160 km mark in Jiacuoxiong Township (final location subject to confirmation in the technical meeting). Afterwards, riders will have a relaxed 10 km ride to the Hilton Hotel in Shigatse.

  • Support Station: Located at the 80 km mark, Jiangzi Zongshan Hero Monument Plaza.

  • Advisory: Expect weak mobile phone signals around the 34 km area. Please plan accordingly.