Hein Verbruggen, President of the Union of Cyclist Internationale, spoke high of Tour de Qinghai Lake on Sunday.

"The beauty of this region, the enthusiasm of the public lining the roadsides, and the technical features of the race are the main assets of the Tour of Qinghai Lake, which has most definitely, once again, provided us with a very high-level sporting event," he said.

He aded: "On behalf of the UCI, which pays great interest in the development of this event, I wish to thank all the political and sporting authorities, sponsors and volunteers that have contributed to the organization of this race, whose reputation has already become international."

The UCI chief also told China should have its strong teams and riders to support the development of Tour de Qinghai Lake cycling race, which is the base for a promising race.

Verbruggen was received by living Budda of Ta'er lama temple 30kilometers east of Xining on Sunday and expressed his satisfactionand happiness with the organizing committee's arrangement for him.

"I planed a trip to Qinghai with my family two years ago, but it was cancelled for the reason of SARS. This trip has only 24 hours, so I am looking forward to being back in future, " said Verbruggen at the end of the meeting.

Verbruggen arrived Saturday in Xining, capital city of the province, to inspect the last stage of the nine-day-long Tour de Qinghai Lake covering around 1300 kilometers.

Source: Xinhua