Velodrome defects need to be fixed, says Hong Kong rider Sarah Lee

Hong Kong world champion cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze has called on authorities to repair several defects at the spanking new Tseung Kwan O velodrome before January's international track meet.

The London Olympic Games bronze medallist was invited to test facilities before the venue hosts the Hong Kong International Track Cup from January 10-12. She said the velodrome's surface had fallen short of her expectations.

"The surface is not very smooth and the pine wood doesn't seem to be fitting together properly," said Lee. "They said it would be fixed during the summer but the wood now seems to be shrinking.

"I know little about building a track but hopefully improvements can be made so that Hong Kong can have a top quality venue."

Lee had placed high hopes on the Tseung Kwan O facility as it would allow her to be based in Hong Kong as opposed to the mainland, where she does most of her training.

"I always look forward to training in Hong Kong because I can join other Hong Kong athletes, such as [badminton's] Yip Pui-yin and [karate's] Chan Ka-man and use my spare time to study with them," she said.

"But the coach decides where we go for our training, whether we train in Hong Kong or on the mainland."

Lee's next major event will be the World Cup series in Mexico early in January, but she does not expect winning results.

"I just came back from holiday in Australia but since the world governing body has requested athletes to take part in at least two World Cup events before they are eligible for the world championships, I have to participate in Mexico," she said.

"My target will not be winning medals there but building up my form for next year."