The 2017 Mengla-Mohan Tropical Rainforest Motorcycle Cross-Country Race—China's first long-distance cross-border international motorcycle race—officially started on April 7th in Mengla County, Yunnan Province, and successfully entered the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos on April 9th. Riders from 13 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand, as well as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and more than 20 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China, gathered in the Special Economic Zone for the ultimate competition. The race featured 187 motorcycles and over 500 riders. The organizers specifically designated the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province, Laos, as the core overseas stop and key race venue, utilizing the unique terrain to make the race more thrilling and exciting.
The race route traversed Mengla, Mohan, and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos, comprising six stages. Two stages were in Mengla and Mohan in China, and the two stages in Laos were both located within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, covering a total distance of 270 kilometers before finally arriving at the mysterious Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. While showcasing their dazzling skills and fiercely challenging the complex track, riders can also fully appreciate the scenic beauty of the Nam La River, the Wangtianshu Scenic Area, and the pristine, tranquil rainforests and pastoral landscapes of Laos.
As the core overseas component of this cross-border event, the "2017 Inaugural Lao Golden Triangle International Motorcycle Rally" aims to discover the potential of motorsport enthusiasts, expand the event's participation, widely and deeply promote motorcycle culture, and contribute to the development of Laos' motorcycle industry. The event organizers, in conjunction with the special economic zone's co-organizers, have specially designed two core components: the Special Economic Zone's one-hour endurance race on April 10th and the Special Economic Zone's Mekong River stage on April 11th. The endurance race will be held in the Golden Triangle New Village of the Special Economic Zone; the Mekong River stage will start from the Special Economic Zone's racetrack, passing through attractions such as Ban Mo and hot springs along the Mekong River, finally reaching the finish line in Mengmong County. The entire 120-kilometer course features 150 obstacles, fully embodying the core theme of "Technology, Courage, and Pushing the Limits." During the event, a variety of exciting segments, including highlights, motorcycle babes' showcases, fierce competition, and a special car exhibition, will provide spectators with an immersive entertainment experience. This event is considered a milestone, and all participating riders will be recorded in the history of motocross.
It is worth mentioning that the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone successfully hosted the first overseas leg of the "Belt and Road Initiative · Colorful Yunnan" car rally in Laos on September 27-28, 2016. Its professional organization and support earned widespread praise from neighboring countries and regions, accumulating rich experience in hosting large-scale cross-border events.
