An international open mountain bike stage race, the first of its kind to be held in Vietnam, is slated to kick off on Friday in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat.

The Vietnam Victory Challenge will see more than 100 competitors cycling in five categories from that day to Sunday, according to the Vietnam Cycling Federation, which supports the South East Asia Sports Marketing LLC in organizing the event.

The categories include pro/open men, men 39 and under, men 40 and over, pro/open women, and women 18 and over.

The event is held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam’s Reunification Day, April 30, and to “encourage people to get involved in mountain biking,” the federation said.

It is also aimed at popularizing Vietnamese images and improving public awareness of environmental protection, it added.

Cory Wallace, a professional Canadian mountain bike racer who has competed in many international race circuits, will also join the race, according to the organizer.

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