On the morning of March 7, at May 7 Square, Dien Bien Province organized the expanded cycling and cross-country race “Towards Dien Bien Phu” within the framework of the 2026 Ban Flower Festival. The cycling race attracted hundreds of athletes competing enthusiastically, creating a vibrant sporting atmosphere and enriching the activities of the festival season.

Athletes participating in the cycling race began at the starting line.

The tournament saw the participation of more than 450 athletes from agencies, units, localities and clubs across the province. In the cycling event, more than 100 athletes competed in two distances of 10 km and 20 km, with eight categories including men’s individual, women’s individual, men’s team and women’s team.

Athletes competing in the men’s 10 km individual race approached the finish line.

For the 10 km distance, athletes started from May 7 Square, moved along Vo Nguyen Giap Street past Dien Bien College to the turning point at a three-way intersection, then returned along Vo Nguyen Giap Street and finished at the area opposite the square. For the 20 km distance, athletes also started from May 7 Square, passed Dien Bien College, continued along National Highway 279 to kilometer 31 before turning back, then returned via National Highway 279, turned onto Vo Nguyen Giap Street and finished at the starting point.

... and the women’s 10 km distance.

In the cross-country running event, nearly 350 athletes competed in two distances of 5 km and 10 km. The 5 km distance included four categories: men’s individual, women’s individual, men’s team and women’s team; the 10 km distance included two categories for men’s individual and men’s team. The athletes competed with great determination, delivering many impressive bursts of speed near the finish line and creating an exciting competitive atmosphere.

Athletes participating in the cross-country race began at the starting line.

The first athlete crossed the finish line in the cross-country race.

A large number of spectators cheered on the athletes during the competition.

Athletes sprinted toward the finish line.

An athlete accelerated to cross the finish line.

Immediately after the completion of the cycling and cross-country events, the Organizing Committee awarded First, Second and Third prizes to individuals and teams achieving outstanding results in each category.

The Organizing Committee awarded cycling prizes to athletes in the men’s 10 km individual category.

The Organizing Committee awarded cycling prizes to athletes in the women’s 10 km individual category.

... and the men’s team category.

The Organizing Committee awarded prizes to athletes participating in the men’s 5 km individual cross-country race.

... and the women’s team category.

According to the plan, the cycling and cross-country competitions took place in the morning. In the following days of the 2026 Ban Flower Festival, many other sports activities and folk games would continue to be held such as artillery pulling, bicycle portage pushing with ammunition loads, pounding sticky rice cake dough, grinding corn and tug-of-war at Phieng Loi Village, Dien Bien Phu Ward. These activities not only created a joyful and lively atmosphere during the festival season but also contributed to promoting the cultural, historical and tourism image of Dien Bien to numerous domestic and international visitors./.

Dienbien.gov.vn