Community Matters: Pandas to Chase International Cyclists

Welcome back from the holiday. This week, the capital is gearing up for the Tour of Beijing, an epic international bike race that will run the gamut of the city and surrounding countryside. Be prepared for road closures, cheering fans and hopping pandas.

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On Sunday, Serk is organizing a Panda Corner for the Shi Hai mountain leg of the race. Race supporters will dress up in panda costumes or their favorite team’s colors and make banners. Face painting and a fashion parade will then warm up the fans before the racers whiz through a circus of cheers and boos.

This tradition of panda costumes started during Tour the France’s “Dutch Corner” where fans dress up in orange. As German cyclist Garmin Sharp entered the last kilometer of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race, a man in a panda costume appeared out of nowhere and chased him to victory.

RELATED: Live Panda Footage to Coo at All Day

For those keen to bring this tradition to life in Beijing, Serk is willing to help order panda costumes and is organizing a bus up to the mountain and back as road closures will inconvenience other transport. Registration by Friday morning and an RMB 60 fee is required. See the event’s webpage for more details and to sign up.

Here are some more great community events this week:

• Public Security Bureau Talk on New Chinese Visa Regulations
• Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared: Beijing Newcomers Doctor Talk
• Square Dance Lessons
• The 16th Beijing Music Festival

Email: nickrichards@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: cyclingdirect.co.za