Sergei Kulikov wins Stage 16 from Nha Trang to Da Lat

The stage was considered one of the most demanding of the race, as riders from 16 teams had to conquer the challenging Khanh Le Pass, a more than 30 km-long mountain route featuring steep gradients and sharp turns.

Beyond the pass itself, the entire stretch from the summit to Da Lat, located on the Lang Biang Plateau at an elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level, posed continuous challenges with winding roads and long climbs. These conditions required strong endurance and careful pacing from all competitors.

Despite the challenging terrain, the peloton maintained a relatively high pace throughout the stage. Near the finish line on Ho Tung Mau Street in Xuan Huong–Da Lat Ward, a leading group of three riders broke away and engaged in a fierce battle for the stage win.

At the finish, Sergei Kulikov (bib number 147) accelerated to take first place in convincing fashion. Mugisha Moise (bib number 157) of Ho Chi Minh City Vinama finished second, while Yarash Uladzislau (bib number 77) of Ho Chi Minh City New Group came in third.

The 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Television Cycling Cup, themed “Non song lien mot dai” (A reunited homeland), began on April 3 and consists of 25 stages totaling 2,745 km. The race started at Hung Kings Temple in Phu Tho and passes through multiple provinces and cities before concluding in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

The competition will continue with Stage 17 on April 21, featuring the traditional circuit around Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat, consisting of 10 laps with a total distance of 51 km.