I had high hopes for this stage, and at least I can say it was indeed memorable. Tengchong is a gorgeous place, and if there is one town I would like to come back to for exploring on me own it would be this one!
Welcome back to the Yunnan Gran Fondo, today is stage 2. You remember that I have done this race before (in 2024), and this town also hosted the second stage (and it was a great day for me last year!) - I was excited by the news that the route had been extended from "just" 110km to now 162km, and as this is also the stage at the highest altitude, I was ready to rock and roll!
Mega climbs, endless cement roads, even a cobbled section! There were a lot of unfortunate crashes, but I managed to make it through... to a point. See what happens next and, as always, thank you so much for the encouragement and the cheers. This race was a beautiful thing, even in the pain. I am happy to have this video for my own memories, and happy to share it as inspiration with you today.
Let's go! Stage 2 in chilly (gorgeous) BaoShan, Yunnan.
LOCATION:
Here is a GPS pin for the starting town of today's stage in Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MPDp98RSCZE2L11W7