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Mike Chan

Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome was among 6,000 early risers who took part in the Hong Kong Cyclothon on Sunday, and the Briton was full of praise for his maiden experience of riding in the city.
Finishing the 50km (31-mile) ride in 80 minutes among the first batch of riders, Froome said they had cycled routes “very different to what we do in Europe”, before hinting he may return for future events.
“It’s an amazing way to start the day, seeing Hong Kong by bike on all the main roads,” Froome said. “These are roads that cyclists would never normally get the chance to enjoy. Being able to take in the city and the surroundings was an amazing experience.
“This really is an event for everyone, an event where your experience doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be a professional; it’s a great way to just get into sports, stay healthy and be able to really enjoy the sights.”

Visiting the city for the first time, Froome said he was amazed by the view from one of the bridges.
“As the sun was coming up, we were going over [Stonecutters Bridge], looking down into the bay. It’s a beautiful, beautiful ride,” the 39-year-old said.
Froome, twice a Vuelta a Espana winner to add to Tour de France triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, admitted he was riding towards the end of his top-level career, but said he would not be done with cycling.
“I am still racing for one more year, riding on the road with my team [Israel-Premier Tech],” he said. “I hope to race in some big events, but we’ll see what the team has planned for me next year.
“But certainly, I hope to still be competing, and it would be a pleasure coming back to Hong Kong. I’d never been here before, but after this morning’s event, I really hope to come back again.”
A two-time Olympic time-trial bronze medallist, Froome will race in Guangxi next week before spending time in Singapore and Japan.
Also among the event’s highest ever field of 6,000 was another two-time Olympic bronze medallist, Hong Kong’s Sarah Lee Wai-sze, who was taking part for a third time.
“I felt it was quite special, because the [new] finish line was on the top of the bridge,” the 37-year-old said. “I hope we can keep it, because this is a big event for Hong Kong.
“[There is] such a beautiful view: you start in the dark, then in the middle the sky becomes brighter. It’s wonderful.
“It’s cloudy today, so I didn’t see the sunrise, but the weather is really nice. For me, it’s cool that I can slow down and enjoy doing some exercise.”
Lee, who pocketed an Olympic keirin medal in London in 2012 before adding a sprint bronze eight years later in Tokyo, added that she had acquired her coaching licence but had no immediate plans to coach just yet.
“I want to focus on my family and live in the city until I finish my studies, and then I will decide what’s next,” she said.

Former triathlete Daniel Lee Chi-wo, who competed at the Sydney and Athens Olympics in 2000 and 2004, argued that the Cyclothon could be expanded.
“For more experienced cyclists, I believe a longer distance would be preferred,” the 2006 Asian Games silver medallist said. “But it might involve longer hours, an earlier start and if the organiser could prolong the route.
“As for the number of participants, the route was mainly on the highway and the bridges. It was wide and spacious enough, and the riders didn’t usually stick together, so I believe there is capacity to raise participation further.”


Hong Kong Cyclothon an amazing experience, Tour de France winner Chris Froome says

Hong Kong Olympian Sarah Lee rolls into books after cycling career

Sarah Lee will continue to inspire Hong Kong even after retiring from competitive sport

Final lap of honour for Hong Kong’s Sarah Lee

Sarah Lee Wai-sze

Cyclists pass the harbourfront in Tsim Sha Tsui during the Hong Kong Cyclothon. Photo: Elson Li

Cyclists assemble for the early-morning start of the 50km ride. Photo: Elson Li

Sarah Lee shows her enjoyment as she reaches the finishing line on Sunday. Photo: Elson Li

155 bus routes to be affected as 6,000 riders hit roads in Hong Kong Cyclothon

The Cyclothon is open to both amateur and elite participants. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong Cyclothon set for October 13 with fair added at West Kowloon arts hub for first time

Last year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon was held on October 22.  Photo: Dickson Lee

The 50km and 32km races will finish near the West Kowloon Cultural District. Photo: May Tse

Sport

Hong Kong

‘This really is an event for everyone,’ the Briton says, while former Hong Kong cyclist Sarah Lee hails ‘wonderful’ day


‘This really is an event for everyone,’ the Briton says, while former Hong Kong cyclist Sarah Lee hails ‘wonderful’ day.
