Ho Huynh Van An on victory. – Photo nld.com.vn

HA NOI (VNS) – Ho Huynh Van An of An Giang Plant Protection won the 26th edition of the HCM City Cycling Cup, which wrapped up on April 30.

An was not among the top three cyclists to finish the last stage, but his time of 28 hours and 43.38 minutes was good enough for him to register his first victory in the nation's most prestigious cycling competition.

The 21-year-old pocketed another four points to reach 78, strengthening his number one position in the green jersey competition, although he had ensured that he will take home the green jersey after yesterday's stage.

"I must say a big thank you to my coaches and teammates who strongly backed me to win this tough tournament. I still need their help and will try harder to perfect myself and grab victories in the upcoming events," An stated.

Huynh Van Thuan of ADC-Vinh Long Television was second, and Phan Hoang Thai of Domesco Dong Thap Pharmacy finished third.

Thai also won a white jersey for the best young rider.

The last stage this morning saw Le Van Duan's third victory as the rider of the Suntek Sao Viet HCM City team, who clocked the best time of 3:39.28 on the 145km stage between Bao Loc City of Lam Dong Province and HCM City.

Le Nguyet Minh of Eximbank HCM City, who won the 10th stage yesterday, came second. The third place went to Le Huu Phuoc of Military Zone 7.

In the overall team rankings, Suntek Sao Viet HCM City secured the top position, clocking 84:47.03. An Giang and Domesco Dong Thap are the two runners-up.

The cyclists will next participate in another tournament "Return to Dien Bien", an event that aims to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory over the French colonialists, starting tomorrow in Ha Noi. –VNS