The good news for Hong Kong cyclists is that the Izu Velodrome which will host this year’s Asian Games is increasingly feeling like a “second home” during the Japan Track Cup.
The bad news is that it is indeed home to the continent’s cyclists, who delivered a strong display throughout the competition, claiming 20 of the 22 golds won over the four days.
Franco Chu Tsun-wai’s maiden bronze on Sunday’s closing day took Hong Kong’s medal tally to eight, and the fast-rising 24-year-old to three.
Ceci Lee Sze-wing and Chloe Leung Wing-yee finished a disappointing fifth in Madison, leaving Lee stranded on five medals.
“We were the only team that faced the Japanese regularly, so that’s good, but I saw (Japan’s) motivation – it already looked like the Asian Games,” said Herve Dagorne, Hong Kong’s head coach.
“All our main rivals were here, and it was a huge battle to try to take the psychological lead before the Games.”
