Organised annually by the Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) since 1989 to commemorate Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30), this year’s race also marks the 50th anniversary of Saigon – Gia Dinh officially being named after president Ho Chi Minh (1976–2026).

The 2026 race will feature 25 stages covering a total distance of 2,745 kilometers. The opening stage is scheduled to begin on April 3 in Phu Tho province, a region considered the ancestral land of Vietnam and home to the sacred Hung Kings Temple complex. The route will pass through multiple provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Dong Thap and Tay Ninh, before finishing at noon on April 30 in front of Reunification Hall.

Throughout the race, riders will tackle seven major mountain passes, with the most challenging being Khanh Le Pass, which stretches 33 kilometers and reaches an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level. The stage is expected to play a decisive role in determining the overall standings.

Sixteen teams from leading cycling clubs across Vietnam have registered to compete. The event also marks the return of the once-prominent Ho Chi Minh City Police cycling team, led by coach Nguyen Truong Tai and featuring notable domestic riders.

Among the international competitors, Russian cyclist Roman Maikin is the only rider with prior experience at the event. Other foreign participants come from countries including Poland, Colombia, Russia, Rwanda, Belarus, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Italy, adding to the race’s competitiveness and international appeal.

The rider who wins the overall Yellow Jersey will receive a cash prize of VND200 million, the Orange Jersey VND100 million, the Green Jersey VND50 million, the Red Jersey VND50 million, and the White Jersey VND30 million. The winning team will be awarded VND100 million, and individual riders who finish first in each stage will be given VND20 million each.

Beyond the sporting competition, the race is expected to serve as a cultural journey across Vietnam, highlighting historical landmarks and national milestones along its route, according to the organisers.

Mikhail Fokin wins yellow jersey at 2025 national HTV cycling cup

Mikhail Fokin, riding for Loc Troi Group An Giang, delivered a stellar performance to claim the overall Yellow Jersey at the 37th National HTV Cycling Cup, which concluded on April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City.