2025 UCI WorldTour Tour of Guangxi: Global Cycling’s New Highlight—Sport, AI Magic, and Economic Drive
Nanning, Guangxi Oct 28, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - From October 14 to 19, the 2025 Cotti Coffee UCI WorldTour Tour of Guangxi (hereinafter referred to as the Tour of Guangxi) concluded successfully in Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Through innovative practices, the event has redefined the boundaries of modern sports. The six-day race not only shattered event records and ignited the passion of global fans, but also via deep AI integration, widespread public participation, and a surge in consumption demonstrated how a sports event can transcend competition itself to become a powerful engine driving regional development and global cultural exchange. Climax of Competition: Records Tumbled and Legends Took Their Final Bows The event drew top cyclists from around the world, including 17 WorldTour teams (such as UAE Team Emirates XRG, Team Visma - Lease a Bike, and Team Lidl-Trek), 2 ProTeams, and the Chinese national team. They competed fiercely across six stages, covering a total of 1,017.1 kilometers. In the end, French sprinter Paul Magnier (Team Soudal - Quick Step) dominated stages in Fangchenggang and Chongzuo - Jingxi, securing a record-breaking 5 wins in a single edition. He claimed the blue jersey and established himself as the brightest star in the Tour of Guangxis history. The overall red jersey went to Paul Double (Team Jayco AlUla), whose exceptional climbing skills sealed victory in the Yizhou - Nongla stage known as the Queen Stage. The event also featured a touching moment: Lidl-Treks Ryan Gibbons and Decathlon-AG2Rs Nans Peters held their retirement ceremonies at the Nanning finale. Gibbons commented, Theres no better place than Guangxi to mark the final stop of my career. In the womens race, Lidl-Treks Anna Henderson claimed the championship. Tech Empowerment: AI Redefines Event Experiences The events highlights extended beyond the racecourse. During the Fangchenggang stage, technology and sport converged seamlessly: humanoid robots cheered on cyclists, immersing both participants and spectators in the allure of technology. Reports indicate 14 robots (of 4 different models) were deployed to interact with cyclists and guests, deliver performances, and provide welcome services at athletes hotels. This enhanced the events appeal, fun, and atmosphere, truly putting technology at the service of the race. Brad Joseph Sohner, an American event host, noted, This is the first time AI robots have appeared on a WorldTour stage the Tour of Guangxi has delivered a complete surprise. Beyond robots, the Tour of Guangxi introduced large-scale AI applications for the first time, offering virtual tours of Guangxi and immersive interactions. The organizing committees AI Cartoon Avatar Customization Tool went viral: users could upload a photo to generate a personalized rider avatar styled after each host city, accompanied by derivative cultural merchandise (such as badges and fridge magnets). This gave global audiences an opportunity to take a virtual tour of Guangxi aligning with the events push for immersive digital participation. The Tour of Guangxi powerfully illustrated the AI + sports synergy. Guangxi not only hosted an international event but also accelerated the integration of AI across industries, enabling industrial transformation to embark on a new Smart+ era. AI has broken geographic limits for viewing, and transformed race momentum into a lasting asset for cultural dissemination. Technology allows those who cant be here in person to feel the beauty of Guangxi landscapes, said Hanna, the events press officer. When we drove past waterfalls and karst landscape, the whole team was in awe of the natural beauty. Hanna, the events press officer, said, Technology lets those unable to attend in person experience the beauty of Guangxis landscapes. When we passed waterfalls and karst formations, the entire team was in awe of the natural scenery. Economic Boost: Event Momentum Triggers a Consumption Surge From September 10 to October 31, the Tour of Guangxi Sports Consumption Festival took place. Notably, this nearly two-month festival covered not only 16 Wanda Plazas in Guangxi but also extended to 8 provinces (including Guangdong and Yunnan). Preliminary data shows: Since the festivals launch, 2,500 merchants across 16 Wanda Plazas generated CNY 980 million in sales, a 12% year-on-year increase. Sports retailers saw the strongest growth: 170 participating sports merchants recorded combined sales of over CNY 38.43 million (up 10% year-on-year). 8 plazas set new single-day visitor records. Centered on the Sports Consumption Festival, the 6 host cities (including Fangchenggang, Chongzuo, and Nanning) launched race + cultural tourism + e-commerce initiatives: Fangchenggang issued hotel vouchers. Baise offered spend CNY 200, get CNY 50 off dining coupons. Hechi provided scenic spot discounts to promote wellness tourism. Nanning linked social security cards to spending subsidies. Cities actively converted spectator traffic into full-chain consumption (spanning dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, and entertainment), driving exponential economic growth. The organizing committee also adopted a race broadcast + e-commerce livestream dual model on the program Fun Viewing Tour of Guangxi, featuring post-race livestreams that showcased local Guangxi specialties (such as Laoyou noodles, Zhuang brocade, and Lingyun tea). According to the Shanghai Orient Sports Evaluation & Consulting Center, the event generated CNY 1.112 billion in direct economic benefits (up 6.34% year-on-year) and CNY 1.942 billion in indirect benefits (up 14.39% year-on-year). Non-local visitors spent an average of CNY 3,208.97 per person, highlighting the events strong pull for tourism, retail, accommodation, and related industries. From Public Carnival to Global Acclaim Guangxis Landscapes Shine on the World Stage This year, the event expanded its mass participation races to all six stages, attracting 1,640 cycling enthusiasts (including 880 non-local riders) covering 30 provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government of China, plus international participants from countries such as the UK, Lithuania and Vietnam Wu Rongli, President of the Yizhou Cycling Association, said, The opportunity for ordinary people to get up close to their cycling idols has significantly boosted the sports popularity. Many participants added, Riding on a world-class course and competing with enthusiasts from across the country is an unforgettable experience! Beyond in-person mass races, online cycling activities also captivated national riders: over 60,000 people participated, and more than 8,000 joined the From All Corners to Guangxi themed virtual ride. Through its elite + mass dual model, the event achieved deep integration between professional sports and grassroots participation. Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates XRG), a six-time participant, praised, The courses and atmosphere in Guangxi are one-of-a-kind. Paul Double (Team Jayco AlUla) called the event the greatest success of my career. Beyond their victories, cyclists expressed a desire to recommend Guangxi to friends and family, hoping to return outside the race to explore its beauty and savor local cuisine. The Tour of Guangxis route is more than a competition arena for cyclists it is a breathtaking showcase for global visitors. Audiences worldwide marveled at Guangxis karst mountains, spectacular Beibu Gulf seascapes, and vast green fields on screen, as the region extended a warm invitation to the world. The event highlighted Guangxis vitality, but its charm goes further.International friends are warmly invited to follow in the footsteps of top cyclists and enjoy authentic experiences: fresh seafood in Fangchenggang, tranquility in Chongzuos Mingshi Village, serenity in Bama (the longevity town), and a wealth of local specialties on Nannings vibrant streets. As a key gateway connecting China to ASEAN nations, with its welcoming multi-ethnic culture, Guangxi stands ready to welcome guests from around the world. Come experience the excitement and emotion of the Tour of Guangxi, and embark on your own unique journey to discover why Guangxi is the worlds most beautiful and vibrant destination.Media Contact2025 UCI WorldTour Tour of Guangxi*****@uci.orghttps://www.uci.org/ Source :2025 UCI WorldTour Tour of GuangxiThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Firefighter Andrew Bartnikowski Champions First Responder Support through the Class 12.10.12 Foundation
Columbus, Ohio Oct 30, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Few professions demand as much courage, compassion, and composure under pressure as firefighting. For Andrew Bartnikowski, a veteran firefighter and lead paramedic with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, service is far more than a profession; it is a lifelong calling. With over two decades of combined experience in emergency response, public service, training, and financial planning, Bartnikowski has built a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering dedication tothe well-being of his fellow first responders. Since joining the Columbus Division of Fire in 2012, following earlier service in Worthington, Ohio, and Bluffton Township, South Carolina, Bartnikowski has answered more than 10,000 emergency calls. Known for his steady composure under pressure and exceptional patient care, he has become a respected leader both on the fireground and within the community. Yet, his most meaningful contribution extends beyond the line of duty. It lies in his enduring commitment to honoring those who serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A Legacy Born from Brotherhood In 2012, during his time at the Firefighter Training Academy, Bartnikowski met fellow recruit Brandin OKeefe, a man whose courage in the face of cancer left a permanent mark on all who trained beside him. Diagnosed with melanoma while still in the academy, OKeefe refused to quit. He completed his training, graduated with his class, and served briefly at Station 12 before passing away in December 2014. I remember being in the academy and seeing Brandin wrapping his legs with bandages to keep the swelling down, Bartnikowski recalls. When we asked what was going on, he told us about his diagnosis, but he said, Im going to beat this, dont worry about it. He trained harder than any of us. There was nobody tougher than Brandin. Inspired by OKeefes strength and humility, Bartnikowski and his classmates organized a small fundraiser to help OKeefes wife, Karen, and their children, Abigail and Evan. What began as a simple act of brotherhood soon evolved into something far greater, and it became the Class 12.10.12 Foundation, named after their Fire Academy class number and graduation date. The Class 12.10.12 Foundation: Service Beyond the Firehouse Today, the Class 12.10.12 Foundation stands as a beacon of compassion and solidarity within the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) community. Under Bartnikowskis leadership, the foundation has raised over $150,000 to support injured firefighters, families of fallen heroes, and first responders struggling with mental health challenges. A major source of these funds comes from the annual Brandin OKeefe Memorial Golf Outing, an event that brings together current and retired CFD members, friends, and supporters to celebrate service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. Now in its 11th year, the outing has grown into a major philanthropic tradition, raising over $10,500 this year alone. The event also contributes to the Save A Warrior Foundation, a nationally recognized program for veterans and first responders battling PTSD and trauma-related stress. Golfers participate in friendly competitions such as closest to the pin and longest drive contests against professional golfers like Heather Manfredda and Shelby Martin, with all proceeds directed toward mental health and suicide prevention programs. This isnt just about a game of golf, says Bartnikowski. Its about connection, remembrance, and making sure no one in our fire family ever feels forgotten. Passing the Torch and Building Tradition As the foundation continues to expand, Bartnikowski and his peers are guiding the next generation of firefighters to carry the mission forward. The 2024 memorial outing marked a pivotal moment, as Firefighters Joshua Cumston and Tom Covert stepped in to help organize future events. This handover represents more than just logistics, because it signifies the preservation of values that define the firefighting profession. For Bartnikowski, this transition reflects the deeper meaning behind the work. Brandin wasnt with us long, he says, but his impact was enormous. The fact that, over a decade later, people still come together in his name shows the strength of this family and the heart of our department. Leadership Beyond the Line of Duty Bartnikowskis commitment to public service extends well beyond the fire station. Within the Division of Fire, he has become known as an educator, mentor, and union leader. He has taught at the Firefighter Academy, led live fire training exercises, and provided instruction in fire safety, prevention, and emergency medical response. As a union steward and member of the negotiation committee, he helped shape a $300 million labor contract and introduce new safety protocols designed to better protect firefighters on and off the job. His leadership combines empathy and experience, and it reflects the balance of tactical skill and human understanding that has defined his 20-year career. Before joining the fire service, Bartnikowski gained experience in mortgage planning, construction project management, and skilled trades. This background contributes to his analytical and resourceful approach to problem-solving in high-stakes environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University and multiple specialized certifications, including Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT Operations, Rope Rescue, and Technical Response. He is an active member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, and the Ohio State University Alumni Association. Carrying Forward a Spirit of Service For Bartnikowski, the legacy of Brandin OKeefe and the mission of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation are deeply personal reminders of why firefighters serve others with strength, humility, and heart. Brandin showed us what real toughness looks like, Bartnikowski says. He faced the impossible with grace and humor. If we can carry even a piece of that forward by helping others, then weve done right by his memory. Now in its second decade, the foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, supporting not only the CFD community but also first responder mental health programs and families in crisis throughout Central Ohio. Its events, mentorship, and outreach efforts are a testament to the power of unity and the truth that even in the face of tragedy, compassion can light the way forward. As the next generation of firefighters takes the helm, Andrew Bartnikowskis leadership, integrity, and dedication ensure that the spirit of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation will continue to burn bright. About Andrew Bartnikowski Andrew Bartnikowski is a Firefighter and Lead Paramedic with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, bringing more than 20 years of combined public and private sector experience in emergency response, training, and program management. He is the founder of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families of injured or fallen firefighters and promoting first responder mental health. Bartnikowski holds a BS in Resource Management from The Ohio State University and is certified in Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT, and Technical Rescue. He is a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters. Media ContactName: Andrew BartnikowskiLocation: Columbus, Ohiobartnikowski@andrewbartnikowski.comhttps://andrewbartnikowski.com/Media ContactAndrew Bartnikowski bartnikowski@andrewbartnikowski.com(415) 494-4103Columbus, Ohiohttps://andrewbartnikowski.com/ Source :Andrew Bartnikowski Experienced Leader & Team Player This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
