XINING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The 17th Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race will start on Sunday in Ledu district of Haidong city, northwest China's Qinghai province.

Steve Peterson, a representative of cycling's world governing body UCI, said at Saturday's opening ceremony that the Tour of Qinghai Lake has established itself as one of the most challenging races anywhere in the world and with a number of different winners over the years from so many different nations, it can truly be considered a global event.

"Safety continues to be a key focus at the UCI calendar," Peterson emphasized that the members of UCI, such as technical experts, former pros and race organizers, are seeking to offer observations and provide advice and recommendation on the development of cycling race in each of the regions.

The Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race was inaugurated in 2002. This year's race has attracted nearly 200 professional cyclists from 17 countries and regions all over the world, including China, Italy, Spain, France, Colombia etc.

The race is to be contested across Qinghai, Ningxia and Gansu from July 22 to August 4 over 13 stages, with a total distance of 3,670 kilometers, including race distance of 1,841 kilometers and transfer distance of 1,829 kilometers.

The first stage from Ledu to Xining will be contested on Sunday.