38th Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2026: 16 teams compete on a 2,745km journey across Vietnam

Journalist Cao Anh Minh, General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Radio and Television Station, stated that this year's race takes place in the context of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saigon – Gia Dinh officially being named after President Ho Chi Minh.

Gathering strong forces, a challenging journey across Vietnam

The 38th National Cycling Race Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2026, themed “Unified Homeland”, will officially commence on April 3, bringing together 16 domestic teams, many national athletes, and 13 high-quality international cyclists.

According to the organisers, this year's race comprises 25 stages totalling 2,745 km. The race will start in Phu Tho, pass through many provinces and cities from North to South, and conclude at noon on April 30 in front of the Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City).

The cross-country journey continues to demand high physical and tactical requirements as cyclists must conquer seven mountain passes. Among them, the Khánh Lê Pass, 33 km long and approximately 1,500 m high, is considered a crucial point that could determine the overall titles.

This year's race features international riders from Russia, Belarus, Italy, Colombia, Rwanda, Poland, and Ethiopia, enhancing the professional quality and increasing competitiveness among the teams.

The 38th National Cycling Race Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2026, themed “Unified Homeland”, will officially commence on April 3, bringing together 16 domestic teams, many national athletes, and 13 high-quality international cyclists.

Prize structure and traditional elements

The prize structure remains high, with the overall yellow jersey valued at 200 million VND; the orange jersey for the best Vietnamese cyclist at 100 million VND; the green jersey (sprint king) and red jersey (mountain king) both valued at 50 million VND; and the white jersey for the best young cyclist at 30 million VND. The team prize is valued at 100 million VND, while each stage winner receives 20 million VND.

Journalist Cao Anh Minh, General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Radio and Television Station, stated that this year's race takes place in the context of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saigon – Gia Dinh officially being named after President Ho Chi Minh.

Over 37 years of existence, the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup has become one of the most prominent sports and cultural events, closely associated with generations of audiences and sports television professionals. In its 38th edition, the race continues to be elevated towards professionalism while also enhancing organisational innovation.

Besides the professional aspect, the messages “Unified Homeland” and “Building a Green Life Together” will be spread through community activities in the localities where the race passes, with an estimated total budget of 1.8 billion VND.

All 25 stages will be broadcast live on HTV9, HTV7, HTV Sports, and HTV's digital platforms.

Foreign riders heat up the competition, with many contenders for the yellow jersey

Before the start, the return of the Ho Chi Minh City Police team after many years of absence draws attention. The lineup includes experienced riders such as Hoang Sang, Tan Hoai, Ngoc Son, Tuan Kiet, along with foreign rider Robinson Chalapud (Colombia), a former national champion with extensive international experience.

In other teams, foreign riders continue to play a crucial role. Loc Troi Group recruits the Russian duo Roman Maikin and Sergei Kulikov; Ho Chi Minh City Vinama & New Group has Mugisha Moise (Rwanda) and Yarash Uladzislau (Belarus).

Kenda Dong Nai and Vo Dac Dong Nai have registered Marchuk Dzianis (Belarus) and Pierantozzi Lucio (Italy), respectively. Vinh Long team adds Amanuel Teklchaymanot (Ethiopia) and Zachary Patrick Patterson (New Zealand).

Duoc Domesco Dong Thap replaces Loic Desriac with Swiss rider Christoph Janssen. Thanh Hoa team uses a foreign rider for the first time with Anton Popov (Russia), while Military Zone 7 adds Pawel Szostka (Poland) to support their key riders.

The combination of international experience and domestic forces is expected to create notable competition on the mountain passes and in sprint finishes.

The race itinerary of the 38th Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2026.

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