Zhuhai, in Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland – On Saturday morning, a groundbreaking men’s individual road cycling race kicked off at China’s 15th National Games. Spanning an epic 231.8km course, the event connects all three host regions: Guangdong Province, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR.
To keep riders in the saddle at speeds topping 40km/h, organizers introduced a seamless customs clearance system. Athletes sport RFID-enabled wristbands that automatically log each checkpoint crossing in real time. RFID scanners at pre-set checkpoints ensure riders never slow down for immigration or customs stops.
This digital-first solution not only shaved minutes off traditional border procedures but also showcased the power of regional collaboration. "Shifting from manual checks to RFID tracking transforms how we think about cross-border events," says a race official. The innovation speaks to the broader trend of leveraging tech in sports, logistics and travel.
For global sports fans, the race is an adrenaline-packed spectacle. For tech enthusiasts, it’s a case study in IoT applications. And for travelers and digital nomads, it hints at a future where cross-border travel could be as smooth as a pro cyclist’s pace.
As the peloton pushes through three unique landscapes, this race sets a new standard for international sporting events—where customs lines blur, and the road ahead links communities across borders.
Reference(s):
Seamless customs clearance added to road cycling at National Games
cgtn.com
