Intro:

State Cycling and Fencing Sports Administration director general Wang Xuanqing discusses the 'unpopularity' of cycling in China before the Tour of China, which begins later this month.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Xuanqing, director general, State Cycling and Fencing Sports Administration:

"Our concern is the development of cycling in China. There are around a dozen cycling tour events in China, including those with a big influence such as the Tour of Beijing, the Tour of Qinghai Lake, the Tour of Hainan, as well as the Tour of Taihu Lake which are becoming popular. All of these events are of a high standard with bigger prize money. However not many Chinese riders really participate and race in those events. Even though Chinese riders have won some prizes, it's not really helpful in promoting our athletes' level of competition."

SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Xuanqing, director general, State Cycling and Fencing Sports Administration:

"I believe that with a joint effort by all parties, in the near future we'll work hard step by step to build the Tour of China into the largest and best cycling road race event. We look forward to realising its great potential."