KUNMING, China, Oct. 2 -- China's Yang Qihang claimed the title at the 2024 Ruili China and Muse Myanmar International Mountain Bike Challenge in one hour 15 minutes and 39.733 seconds in Ruili, southwest China's Yunnan province on Wednesday.

500 participants from seven countries and regions competed in the 37.5-kilometre race, which covered 19 kilometres in Muse of Myanmar before recrossing the border back to Ruili.

"It's an incredible feeling to get the title," said Yang, who praised his teammate's support. "I wouldn't be the champion if it wasn't for his sacrifice."

"I like cycling between the two countries. The passion of the local people along the roadsides, the beautiful scenery I had not seen before and the bonds of the two countries' friendship created this interesting event," Yang added.

All the participants who finished the race were awarded a medal that was made of spray jade, and Myanmar runners were presented with the special Paukphaw Friendship Award.

Located in west Yunnan's Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Ruili is a city on the China-Myanmar border. This year's Mountain Bike Challenge was the second edition of the event.