KUNMING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural Longling Songshan International Mountain Bike Downhill Invitational opened on Wednesday in Longling county in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Organized in conjunction with the Chinese Cycling Association and the China Bicycle Association, the competition has five groups racing on a downhill track 1,800 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Competitors are grouped by gender, age, and skill level.

The event has attracted around 100 participants from countries including China, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Czech Republic.

Songshan Mountain was the site of a key battle in 1944 during China's Anti-Japanese War.

"This competition represents an important opportunity to increase global awareness of Songshan Mountain so that more people may come to understand its historical significance," said Zhao Jianbo, a senior official from Longling county.

The final of the invitational will be held on Thursday, August 30.