the 2nd Birkebeinerrittet China, Sep 11, 2010 

Background
Birkebeinerrittet (lit. The Birkebeiner cycling race) is a long-distance mountainbike cycling race held annually in Norway. It is the worlds largest bicycling race in number of contestants. In 2009 17164 riders signed up, and 15140 cyclists competed the race. 

The race starts at Rena ends at Hakons Hall in Lillehammer. Birkebeinerrittet is 94 km long along fire roads, with some paved and some single/dualtrack segments.The Norwegian race commemorates a trip made by the Birkebeiner loyalists to save the heir to the Norwegian throne, Hakon Hakonsson, in 1206. All participants carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg, symbolizing the weight of the then one-year old heir.

Birkebeinerrittet China
Birkebeinerrittet China is an amateur mountain bike race for anyone who likes sports and outdoor activities. It is organized in China by Nordic Ways and Yakeshi Government in cooperation with the Norwegian Birkebeinerrittet Organization. At first, a "test run" of Birkebeinerrittet China was held in 2008 at Jingyuetan Park, Changchun. The first "real"  Birkebeinerrittet was then held in September 2009 outside the city Yakeshi in northern Inner Mongolia. 

The race goes from Yakeshi City center with the first few kilometres on paved roads. After a while, the track goes in to a semi-forest area with some tough uphill climbs mixed with crossings of quite swampy, low-lying land. Many participants were very positive to the tough 50km track (alt. 25km)

Read more comprehensive information about the race under the link "General Info" to the left