By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.
Photos = Tour de Gyeongnam

Gyeongsangnam-do Province, famous for its natural beauty and history, from June 4-8 hosted an international cycling race. 

The Tour de Gyeongnam saw competitors ride across five scenic cities in the province: Tongyeong, Geoje, Sacheon, Namhae and Changwon. Covering 553.6 km, the race had 220 riders from 22 teams represent 16 countries. 

On June 8, immediately following the tour's conclusion in Changwon, I held an Instagram interview with professional Dutch cyclist Adne van Engelen. He finished third behind runnerup Simone Raccani of Italy and winner Dylan Hopkins of Australia. 

A combined 220 cyclists from 16 countries begin their Stage 1 race in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and ride along terraced rice fields in Stage 4 in Namhae.

"When I saw the course, I asked the team if they could bring me here, and I am very thankful they did," he said. "I like this type of racing a lot, and it suits me well. Besides that, we got to see so many beautiful places during the race as well, which made it a very nice experience." 

Adne van Engelen poses for the camera at the podium ceremony and signs the event's acrylic board.

The cyclist demonstrated his competitive spirit by securing second place in Stage 2 in Geoje before the final stage. He praised the event's stages, noting how they created opportunities for many riders and added unpredictability to the race. 

"I wouldn't change much if I were the organizer. A (short) uphill finish would be a great addition, though," he added.

On his favorite location during the tour, van Engelen answered Tongyeong's port town atmosphere from Stage 1 and Namhae's terraced rice fields and villages from Stage 4. "All cities have their own charm, it's hard to choose," he said.