The 2019 Heilongjiang Snow Bicycle Race took place in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, on Feb 23.

More than 400 cyclists from China and Russia took part in the early-spring race.

Competitors were able to choose from seven groups of races, including the elite group (9.7 kilometers), the master group(9.7km), the 24-hour challenge race, the women’s group(7.34km), and the swimwear group.

The race had guiding tracks, which took cyclists through the steep slopes and sharp bends, while providing excellent views of the local scenery.

The highlight of the race was the 24-hour challenge race, where four cyclists took turns to ride on the track within a 24-hour competition period, with the final results ranked according to the total distance covered.

In addition to the Heilongjiang Snow Bicycle Race, the 24-hour challenge has only previously been held during the Swiss Disentis Snow Bike Festival and the Scottish Highlands Strapfferffer 24-Hour Snow Rally.

A Russian team won first place in this year’s 24-hour challenge, with a distance of 527 km.

Cyclists dressed in swimwear leave the starting line of the 2019 Heilongjiang Snow Bicycle Race in Harbin on Feb 23. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Cyclists compete in the 2019 Heilongjiang Snow Bicycle Race in Harbin, Feb 23. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A male cyclist photographed during the competition, Feb 23. [Photo/Chinanews.com]