This upgraded edition of the event has set up 13 climbing points, including five level-1 ones throughout the course, more than its previous races, and Hainan's round-the-island coastal tourism highway and tropical rainforest national park are along the racing route, according to Chen Tiejun, director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports.

"I hope we can achieve better results and seek a higher breakthrough for the team in this round-the-island race," said Francesco Frassi, leader of professional Team Corratec from Italy.

"The schedule in Hainan may mean longer distances and more stages for us, but we hope that all the competitors can become faster and stronger in such a race," he added.