XINING, China, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The 22nd Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race will start on Sunday in Xining city, northwest China's Qinghai Province.

The Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race was inaugurated in 2002. This year's race has attracted 154 professional cyclists from 13 countries and regions.

"I am delighted that the magnificent Tour of Qinghai Lake joins the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) ProSeries this year. Since 2002, this challenging stage race has provided great excitement as the riders battle for glory along the fantastic high-altitude routes of Qinghai Province," said UCI president David Lappartient.

This year's race is to be contested from July 9 to 16 over eight stages, with a total distance of 1,384 kilometers, including race distance of 1,334 kilometers and transfer distance of 50 kilometers.

The first stage Xining circuit race, covering a total distance of 109 kilometers, will be held on Sunday.