XINING, China, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race will start on Sunday in the Hehuang New District of Haidong city, northwest China's Qinghai province.

At Saturday's opening ceremony, Majid Hashim Kiran, a representative of the international cycling union (UCI), hailed the Tour as a "unique" one in Asia.

"With the elevations here in Qinghai, the event is certainly very unique and one which for sure, rewards a true tour champion," Kiran said.

"I know the UCI are very pleased that this event continues to feature so prominently on the Asia Tour calendar, as it continues to play such a key role showcasing our wonderful sport in China," he continued.

"As China's top cycling race, Tour of Qinghai Lake has gradually developed into an international brand with world vision, international standards and Chinese characteristics through the 18 years since its establishment in 2002," said Li Jianming, deputy director of the State General Administration of Sport.

"The Tour of Qinghai Lake has witnessed the development and achievement in China's western region," Li added.

The Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race was inaugurated in 2002. This year's race has attracted 154 professional cyclists from home and abroad.

The race is to be contested across Qinghai, Gansu and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from July 14 to July 27 over 13 stages, with a total distance of 3,001 kilometers, including race distance of 1,631 kilometers and transfer distance of 1,370 kilometers.