Chloe Leung Wing-yee secured a bronze medal in the women's cycling road race at the Asian Games on Sunday, overcoming challenges that included a recent injury and a frustrating performance earlier in the competition. The event took place in Shinshiro City, Japan, covering a demanding 90.4-kilometer course.
Leung, a 29-year-old cyclist representing Hong Kong, had aimed for gold but was narrowly edged out following a critical slip during a downhill segment late in the race. The incident allowed her two main rivals, Li Guo of China and Fariba Hashimi of Afghanistan, to break away and collaborate in the race's closing stages. Despite a determined solo chase, Leung was unable to bridge the gap and finished 41 seconds behind the joint leaders, who recorded a winning time of two hours, 50 minutes and five seconds. Li claimed gold, with Hashimi taking silver.
Herve Dagorne, Hong Kong’s head cycling coach, said Leung’s strategy had focused on attacking downhill sections, a plan that initially put her into a leading position. However, the slick conditions caused her to lose control of her wheel, resulting in the crucial time loss. Dagorne noted that after the slip, Leung’s confidence was affected, and the collaboration between Li and Hashimi prevented her from recovering the lead. “She was leading, but they caught her on a downhill. She continued to push, then she slipped. She lost about 15 seconds and a bit of confidence,” he said. Dagorne acknowledged the resilience Leung showed in maintaining a podium position despite the setback and the presence of a strong chasing group behind her.
Leung’s performance comes two days after a disappointing fourth-place finish in the individual time trial, an outcome that left her feeling upset. However, her coach praised her quick ability to move past that disappointment and refocus on the road race. Leung herself credited her determination and resolve, particularly given her preparation had been disrupted by illness and injury. Two months prior, she fractured her right little finger in a crash during a race in Italy, and she has also been managing intermittent jaw inflammation.
“I didn’t expect that I could get [the medal], because it was really uncertain,” Leung said after the race. “On the last lap, I just thought, ‘Screw it, I’ll just go. If I try, no matter the result, at least I tried.’ ”
Other Hong Kong riders in the event included Kwan Tsz-kwan, who finished 25th, and Guardiaola Cheung Li-tong, who placed 31st just two days before her 22nd birthday.
Leung’s bronze medal adds to her consistent track record at the Asian Games, where she has previously delivered strong performances despite various challenges. Her coach described the result as a positive conclusion under difficult circumstances, highlighting her focus and fighting spirit throughout the competition.