Feature: Mountain cycling race wins popularity in Iceland

A mountain cycling race is a grueling 60 km test of endurance and strength as cyclists tackle the steep seaside hill in south suburb of Reykjavik, Iceland.

From Hafnarfjordur to the Blue Lagoon, more than 700 riders take part in the 20th annual Blue Lagoon Challenge on this sunshine weekend, on Saturday.

Soren Nissen, 30, from Denmark won the first place of men's group.

Expressing how he enjoyed the race and nature around here, Nissen said it is the biggest experience to come to see this kind of nature.

"Normally you don't see something like it looks like something from moon, moon pictures, you know," Nissen said.

"You come to race like in the lava desert. It is really cool and I am so happy to be part of it here. In the race like today I could not go any better. I went to front row in the beginning. I could stay away from the rest of the part and it was a super day. In the end, I could take the win within a few minutes," he told Xinhua.

Meanwhile, proud of herself for winning the hard race this time, Maria Ogn Gudmundsdottir said it is the sixth time for her to win the first place of Women's group in the Blue Lagoon Challenge.

"It was a really hard race and I was so tired at the end. But I had a really great time and I did my best time and best time for women in this competition for ever. So I am so happy," she told Xinhua.

The Blue Lagoon Challenge started with 12 people participated 20 years ago. However, it has so far become a popular event in Iceland.

As the organizer of the event, Albert Jakobsson, Chairman of Reykjavik Cycling club, described the Blue Lagoon Challenge as the best of the all events they have ever organized.

"we have organized many competitions in Iceland, but this one is the best one and everyone is waiting for this one every year. And this is the highlight of the year for me and many, many people here in Iceland in cycling," he told Xinhua. Endit