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 kilometres. The opening stage is scheduled to begin on April 3 in Phu Tho Province. The route will pass through multiple provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Danang, 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 HCM City.
Throughout the race, riders will tackle seven major mountain passes, with the most challenging being Khanh Le Pass, which stretches 33 kilometres and reaches an elevation of 1,500 metres 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 VND 200 million, the Orange Jersey VND 100 million, the Green Jersey VND 50 million, the Red Jersey VND 50 million, and the White Jersey VND 30 million. The winning team will be awarded VND 100 million, and individual riders who finish first in each stage will be given VND 20 million each.
