Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2025: A series of foreign 'blockbusters'

Racer Johnny Hoogerland - Photo: social network X

The two teams TP.HCM 1 and TP.HCM 2 created a "storm" in this year's TV Cup when they recruited two Dutch racers: Youp Kuiper (1995) and Johnny Hoogerland (1983).

Welcome the 3-time Tour de France rider

Johnny Hoogerland is no stranger to the world of cycling. At his peak, he was a "warrior" racer who roamed Europe and participated in the Tour de France 3 times.

The defining moment of Hoogerland’s career came at the 2011 Tour de France, where he won the red polka-dot jersey for five stages. But at 41 and more than eight years away from the top of cycling, Hoogerland’s actual form will be a big question mark.

But with the courage of a racer who has conquered Europe, Hoogerland is still expected to create breathtaking chases. In particular, his strong racing style on mountain passes and his frequent participation in long group breaks are expected to bring highlights to help the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup become more fierce. Hoogerland is currently training in South Africa, and he is expected to join his teammates on March 30.

Unpredictable because of strong foreign players

In addition to the Ho Chi Minh City team, Vietnam's top racing teams are also racing to find quality foreign players. Dong Nai Bicycles has attracted attention with the names of two racers Oscar Sanchez Caballero (Spain, born in 1988) and Ethan Batt (New Zealand, 1998). Regularly competing in professional races in China and New Zealand, with good climbing ability, Ethan Batt is predicted to be the "dark horse" in the tournament.

Not having much success with the speed duo Martin Laas - Mihkel Raim last season, Vinh Long Cycling turned to looking for quality foreign players with two names: Nick Kergozou (New Zealand, 1996) and Samuel Jenner (Australia, 1997). In particular, Samuel Jenner is highly appreciated when he won the mountain climbing jersey at the 2024 Tour Alsace (France).

Meanwhile, An Giang Cycling brought back two Russian racers Mikhail Fokin (1997) and Ivan Blokhin (2004). However, according to experts, both have not reached the same level as Petr Rikunov - the reigning yellow jersey winner of the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup, who is absent this year due to a tight competition schedule.

With a series of famous names gathering, Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup 2025 promises to be the most unpredictable season in recent years.

The final yellow jersey is worth 200 million VND.

The Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup - Ton Dong A 2025 cycling race consists of 25 stages over 3,000km long, starting from Tuyen Quang on April 3 and crossing a series of provinces and cities before finishing in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

The overall yellow jersey winner will receive a prize of VND200 million, the orange jersey VND100 million, the green jersey VND50 million, the red jersey VND50 million, and the white jersey VND30 million. The team championship trophy is worth VND100 million and the first place winner of each stage will receive VND20 million.

Mr. Cao Anh Minh - General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Television Station - said that all races will be broadcast live to serve fans.

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TAN PHUC