Hong Kong's top cyclist Wong Kam-po had only one thing in mind when he left the territory to compete in the 18- stage Marlboro Tour of the Philippines - completing the race.
But with US$350,000 (HK$2.7 million) in prize-money on offer, Wong will be hoping to perform well in Asia's most gruelling event.
The Philippine race is the fourth-longest multi-stage cycling competition in the world.
Wong, a former Tour of Taiwan champion, knows he faces his ultimate physical test in taking on a highly competitive field in scorching conditions over 2,500 kilometres.
'I know it will be very tough because I have never competed in such a long race before,' he admitted.
'The longest race I have competed in was the Tour of Taiwan, but that was less than half the distance of the Tour of the Philippines.
'The weather has been hot but there will be stages of the race where riders will compete in cool conditions, especially when we compete in the Baguio mountains.' It also will be an odyssey for the five other Hong Kong team members who have never before ridden in such a long tour.
