Winner of the first stage of the Trans-Viet cycling tournament Le Van Dong. - Photo baoanhmuidat.vn

CAN THO (VNS) — Le Van Dong of VTV Can Tho won the first stage of the National Defence Cup, the Trans-Viet cycling tournament, yesterday.

Dong finished the 185km stage from Ca Mau to Can Tho City with a time of 4hr 32.05min. Nguyen Vu Linh of ADC-Vinh Long Television placed second and Le Minh Nguyet of HCM City 2 placed third.

Dong also led the green jersey race with 32 points. His outstanding performance also pushed his team to the top of the race with a total time of 13:39.02. Domesco Dong Thap 1 placed second and ADC placed third.

Today, cyclists will finish the 179km stage from Can Tho City to HCM City.

The annual tournament attracted more than 80 athletes from 15 teams. They will race on routes, totalling nearly 1,300km and divided into 12 stages, for prizes worth VND500 million (US$23,800). The competition ends on December 16. — VNS