Watch Hong Kong cycling great Wong Kam-po struggle to ride 65-year-old Uncle Hung’s gas canister delivery bike
The multiple Asian and former world champion needs 10 minutes to get used to the rickety but sturdy machine, which can carry up to 225kg
Wong Kam-po is one of Asia’s best-ever cyclists, winning numerous times at Asian level and a 2007 world champion. The bike he uses costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Uncle Hung is a 65-year-old gas canister delivery man. His bike costs a fraction of that of Wong’s and can carry up to seven 32-kilogram canisters.
But former professional Wong had trouble riding Uncle Hung’s rickety bike while the uncle had no problems handling Wong’s thoroughbred machine.
Watch: Hong Kong ace Wong Kam-po struggle to ride a 65-year-old Uncle Hung’s gas canister delivery bike
The duo got together to make a video for the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon on October 8, highlighting the city’s hidden heroes.
And Wong, a two-time Asian Games gold medallist in the road race, said he was surprised at how Uncle Hung manages to ride his bicycle, sometimes carrying up to 225kg of weight.
“I really admire him,” said Wong, 44, who was unable to carry more than two canisters on Uncle Hung’s bike, “What he does is really difficult. To ride that kind of bicycle on Hong Kong streets is amazing. He is the real hero.
“The front wheels are smaller than a normal bike so it can carry the canisters. But I could only ride it with two canisters. I didn’t want to put any more on. It took me about 10 minutes to get used to it.”
Wong will compete in the 50km race at the Cyclothon – an annual bike festival for amateurs and professionals from Hong Kong and overseas.
Top overseas teams will be competing in the 100km Hong Kong Challenge criterium – a UCI 1.1 race – around a 5.15km circuit along Salisbury Road, Mody Road, Science Museum Road and the Hung Hom Bypass.
“Overseas riders will enjoy the experience of the criterium,” said Wong. “The spectators will be very close to the action and it is a city course so it will be popular with the riders.”
