South African Wins Opener of Tour of South China Sea Race

South African Wins Opener of Tour of South China Sea Race

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Nicholas White of South Africa was titled with ease when he won the first stage of the Tour of South China Sea Cycle Race '2000 opened in Hong Kong Sunday, December 24.

The 26-year-old South African from HSB club covered the 15 kilometers individual time trial (road race) with a time of 20:53.45.

White, winner in South African Giro Del Capo contest this year, is the No.1 tour cyclist in his country.

"I feel satisfied with my first victory in Asian," said the South African.

Defending champion Wong Kam Po from Hong Kong, China, came second with a time gap of 34.82 seconds and his teammate Ho Siu-lun was third with a time of 21:44.28.

China's well-known veteran Tang Xuezhong, who's roller chain happened to fall off during the race, finished fourth at 21:44.51.

White will wear the leader's yellow jersey when the second

stage - 96.2km individual road race begins Monday morning in Hong Kong.

The fourth version of the South China Sea Tour totals 518.5 kilometers in length and is to close on eve of new year. The race has seven stages set in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macao.

A Class 2.5 race, under the cycling regulations of the International cycling Union, the Tour is organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Hong Kong Cycling Association and the Macao Cycling Association.

21 teams from 12 countries and regions registered their participation in the event.