YANGON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- As the morning sun rose over Yangon, Myanmar, nearly 100 cyclists gathered on Wednesday at Thuwunna Stadium, their bicycles lined up in anticipation. Young athletes, veteran riders, health enthusiasts and everyday commuters came together to celebrate World Bicycle Day and promote the benefits of cycling.

Organized by the Yangon Region Cycling Sub-Committee, the event brought together participants from different backgrounds and age groups. While each rider had a personal reason for joining, they shared a common passion for cycling and the freedom it offers.

Among them was 20-year-old national cyclist Wai Hlyan Aung, who took up cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic and later turned professional.

"I started cycling for my health and then became a professional cyclist," he said. "I cycle six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday."

For Wai Hlyan Aung, cycling has improved his stamina and endurance, and he encourages others to experience its benefits.

Fifty-three-year-old Nay Myo Aung has a much longer relationship with the sport. Having ridden bicycles since his youth, he now cycles regularly around Yangon.

"One reason I cycle is that, in today's situation, it helps reduce fuel consumption and avoid traffic jams," he said.

He believes cycling offers benefits beyond personal convenience, improving health while reducing environmental pollution caused by fuel emissions.

U Kyaw Thin Aung, vice chairman of the Yangon Region Cycling Sub-Committee, said, "Cycling has many benefits. It is good for heart health and can reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes."

He also highlighted its environmental value, noting that cycling requires neither fuel nor electricity and produces no emissions.

For some participants, cycling is a relatively new discovery. Daw Cho Cho Aung, 50, has been riding for only six months but has already taken part in cycling competitions.

"I like cycling," she said. "For people around our age, it helps support brain health, longevity and healthy aging."

She rides every morning and joins group rides on weekends, valuing both the exercise and the friendships she has gained.

"I've met many good friends. It makes me happy and helps relieve stress. For me, it is the best sport," she said.

Among the crowd was former national cyclist Daw Myint Myint Hlaing, 55, who represented Myanmar internationally before retiring from competition in 1999.

Despite stepping away from competitive racing, her passion for the sport remains strong. "Cycling makes me happy and helps me make new friends," she said. "I joined the event because cycling is my sport and all my friends are participating."

As cyclists rode together from Thuwunna Stadium, World Bicycle Day became more than a commemorative event. It was a celebration of health, friendship and sustainability.

Since 2018, June 3 has been observed as World Bicycle Day after being officially designated by the United Nations to recognize cycling as a simple, sustainable and powerful means of promoting health and mobility.