Riders compete in the 2017 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament held on June 11. [ Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Several international cyclists were impressed by Pingtan during their stay in the island city in Fujian province to compete in the 2017 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament, which took place on June 11.

A New Zealand rider was among the 2,350 cyclists from across the world that took part in the race.

He was forced to retire from the men's road cycling elite group race, but chose to cheer on his fellow riders in his fluent Chinese.

"We have to finish a seven-lap race, with each lap 12 kilometers long," he said. "But I had to give up on the fifth lap because the bike broke down."

"Still, I enjoyed the race very much," added the young New Zealander.

The New Zealand rider (second from left) cheers on his teammates after being forced to retire mid-race. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]