Hong Kong cyclist pays for brief Asian Games wobble but strikes back for redemptive medal
Hong Kong cyclist Chloe Leung Wing-yee secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games road race in Japan. Despite a strong performance, a downhill slip and tactical maneuvering by her rivals prevented her from taking the gold.
Why it matters
This highlights the competitive landscape of Asian cycling and the psychological resilience required for elite athletes after a disappointing performance in previous events.
The briefest of wobbles cost Chloe Leung Wing-yee Asian Games road race gold on Tuesday, but 48 hours after a bitterly disappointing individual time trial, the Hongkonger and her coach were content with the bronze she captured in Japan.
Herve Dagorne suspected his rider was destined for victory as the 90.4km tussle in secluded Shinshiro City entered its business end. Committing unflinchingly to her pre-race strategy of attacking on the downhills, however, Leung slipped to hand the initiative to Li Guo and Fariba Hashimi.
Spying the chance for a two-way fight for gold, Li and Hashimi joined forces to isolate Leung, who mounted a courageous but forlorn chase.
“I lost my [control of the] wheel in the downhill, as it’s quite slippery there,” Leung said.
“Then I went fast, but I couldn’t really take the corner with them ... The two riders worked together, just going for it.”
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