WUHAN, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The city of Qianjiang in central China's Hubei Province is to hold a stage of the Tour of China road cycling race for the first time.

22 professional cycling teams from many different countries will participate in the event, which takes place from September 8 to 15.

The Qianjiang stage of the race covers 113 kilometers, and is expected to last two and a half hours.

Zhao Fuxiong, secretary-general of the Qianjiang Cycling Association, said that cycling is a low-carbon, environmentally-friendly way of life, adding that local riders were excited at the prospect of competing in their home city.

The Tour of China is organized by the Chinese Cycling Association. It has been held every year since 2010 and usually takes place in August or September, with different routes taken each year.