XINING, China, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Mykhaylo Kononenko from Ukraine's Kolss Cycling Team (KLS) won the 7th stage of Tour of Qinghai Lake on Saturday.
Van Luijk Sven from Holland's Monkey Town Continental Team (MCT) and Francisco Jarley Colorado from Ningxia Sports Lottery Cycling Team (NLC) came second and third respectively.
Stage 7 from Qilian to Menyuan covers a total distance of 169 km, with 2 intermediate sprints and 1 1-level climb. The highest altitude at this stage is 3,762m.
Although the route of stage 7 is relatively flat, raining and low temperature makes the race difficult for riders as well. During the racing period of more than 4 hours, riders experienced various conditions of weather, like coming across all seasons on one day.
Ukraine's Kolss Cycling Team (KLS), which the winner of stage 7 comes from, has taken part in Tour of Qinghai Lake for several times, and is also one of the top teams. In 2006 Tour of Qinghai Lake, KLS won both the individual Grand Champion as well as group champion.
"We are a top and powerful team. We have been training very hard, and it's a great honor for me to win the stage in China," said Mykhaylo Kononenko excitedly upon receiving the victory, "I started cycling at the age of 19, and it's my favorite sport," he said.
After the race of stage 7, none of the four jerseys changed hands. Blue jersey and green jersey are still kept by former winner, Yevgeniy Gidichi from Kazakhstan's VAM and Orken Ahmet from Turkey's TRK respectively.
Yonnatta Monsalve from Qinghai Tianyoude Cycling Team (TYD) still wear yellow jersey, and Ortega Ramirez from Taipei's RTS-Monton Racing Team (RTS) kept Polka dot jersey as well.
The 8th stage from Menyuan to Pingan will be held on July 23.