More than 100 amateur cyclists will partake in the Son Tra Mountain race on Sunday ( 25 June) to promote the protection of the red-shanked douc langur in the Son Tra Nature Reserve.

A zigzag road of Son Tra Mountain offers scenic bike race for riders. (Photo: VNS)

Chairman of the city’s bicycling association Do Anh Tuan told Viet Nam News that the race aims to encourage local residents and tourists to help protect nature and wildlife in Son Tra Nature Reserve.

Tuan said cyclists will parade through a 13km section from the East Sea Park on Pham Van Dong street to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula resort in the reserve.  They will then start a 7km uphill race to the Son Tra Mountain Peak, at Ban Co (Chessboard) Peak, 573m above sea level.

Competitors will race in the men’s and women’s age groups of 18-45 and over 46.

The Son Tra Nature Reserve, 10km away from Da Nang’s centre, is known for its rich biodiversity, with 287 animal species and 985 plant species.  It is home to 1,300 Red-Shanked Doucs, who are listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2013.

Last month, about 400 men’s and women’s amateur cyclists from clubs nationwide and foreign teams joined a race to the Hai Van Pass outside the city.

(Source: VNS)