The 2025 Yangtze River Delta International Triathlon,a thrilling event combining athleticism and cultural charm,wrapped up successfully in Shanghai's Qingpu Districton May 18, leaving participants and spectators alike in awe of its seamless blend of competition and regional heritage.

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"I truly loved the course here. The lake during the swim and the scenery along the cycling route were unforgettable," exclaimed Swiss triathlete MaxStuder, who clinched the men's elite title. "The organization was excellent, the tracks were pristine, and the roaring crowds made the experience incredible."

The event drew world-class competitors, including Paris Olympics silver medalist JulieDerron, also from Switzerland, who dominated the women's elite division. China’s top male triathlete, Miao Hao, fresh from European competitions, secured sixth place in the men's elite group. "Racing on home soil, surrounded by cheers of 'Jiayou China,' was unforgettable," he shared.

A day earlier, nearly 400 young athletes (U7 to U15) brought vibrant energy to the "boundless race," tackling the course around Grand View Garden’s Flower DeitySquareand Yuandang Lake under the cheers of parents and volunteers.

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The race’s universal acclaim stemmed from its "cross-border, green-integrated" course design. From the classical Grand View Garden and Yuandang Lake to the ancient Jinze Town andSquare HallWater Courtyard, the route wove together Jiangnan’s garden aesthetics, water-town charm, and modern infrastructure—showcasing the Yangtze River Delta’s eco-green development.

"Swimming in Yuandang Lake, a branch of Dianshan Lake, was a first for me—the water quality surpassed all expectations!" praised Paralympic swimming champion Wang Jiachao.

The cycling leg connected interprovincial highways, rural paths, and urban roads. "One moment, I was passing ancient bridges in Jinze; the next, serene villages," saidAustralianparticipant LukeSchofield, who took the second place in the elite group. "This land blends urban dynamism with watery tranquility."

The finale atSquare HallWater Courtyard let runners experience "crossing three districts in 10 minutes." As Ding Zuyu, president of Shanghai Triathlon Association, noted: "This wasn’t just a race but a holistic celebration of ecology and culture."

Beyond therace:afestival ofsports andculture

The event doubled as a cultural-sports extravaganza. Panlong Tiandi,a renewal and upgrade of the ancient Panlong Town,hosted a triathlon carnival, featuring interactive sports and cultural booths, while visitors explored Qingpu’s tourism gems using event maps and merchant discounts—further bridging sports, business, and regional charm.