XINING, China, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Cunego Damiano from Italy's Nippo-Vini Fantini (NIP) won the 6th stage of Tour of Qinghai Lake 2017 on Friday, and Antonio Santoro from Holland's Monkey Town Continental Team (MCT) and Lagkuti Sergiy from Ukraine's Kolss Cycling Team (KLS) came second and third.
The 6th stage Qilian Mountain Climbing Race covers a total distance of 65km, with 1 intermediate sprint and 2 H-level climbs. The altitude of the final point is 4120m. High altitude and climbs make stage 6 a challenge for most riders.
The winner of stage 6 Cunego Damiano is 35 years old, a relatively elder age for cyclists, but he did perfect in such a hard stage.
It is his second time participating in Tour of Qinghai Lake. In 2003, 22-year-old Cunego achieved Grand Champion of the 2nd Tour of Qinghai Lake, and since then he started to show wonderful performance in many of the international cycling races.
After 15 years, elder Cunego came to Tour of Qinghai Lake again, and won the hardest stage.
"This stage was very hard. For my victory, thank you my teammates for helping me today." said Cunego, "I am here for win. I'm so happy. I want to thank all my friends, in China, in Japan."
After a tough race on July 21, Yonnatta Monsalve from Qinghai Tianyoude Cycling Team (TYD) put on yellow jersey, which is the first yellow jersey for the team so far. Ortega Ramirez from Taipei' s RTS-Monton Racing Team (RTS) was awarded Polka dot jersey as the best climber.
As for blue jersey and green jersey, they are still kept by former winner, Yevgeniy Gidichi from Kazakhstan's VAM and Orken Ahmet from Turkey's TRK respectively.
Stage 7 Qilian-Menyuan will be held on July 22. At this stage, riders will race along amazing rape flower field.
