Hong Kong rider Cheung Wai-on laps up Isle of Man TT experience
Hong Kong's Cheung Wai-on ended his fairy-tale adventure at the Isle of Man TT over the weekend, amazed at the speed of his rivals and how tough it is compared with the Macau Grand Prix.
Hong Kong's Cheung Wai-on ended his fairy-tale adventure at the Isle of Man TT over the weekend, amazed at the speed of his rivals and how tough it is compared with the Macau Grand Prix.
Cheung competed in the Royal London Superstock race, finishing way off the pace in 50th and last position astride his 1,000cc Aprilia RSV4, but better for the experience, which he said was "one he would never forget".
It was a thrilling experience...It's been a very special moment in my career.
"The Isle of Man is definitely many times harder than the Macau Grand Prix. I never imagined the top competitors could go so fast around the circuit. It's unreal.
"I had to stay 100 per cent focused because the circuit is not only bumpy on several sections, but I also had to endure bad weather. It took a long time to reach full speeds. I tried to learn the circuit the best I could.
"It was a thrilling experience. I am honoured to have competed there. It's been a very special moment in my career," said the 32-year-old, who became the first Chinese racer at the event and was backed by British-based team Splitlath Redmond.
"I wouldn't have made it here without the backing of my team, and the support from my family and my wife, Vicky. My family worried about me from the very start. Fortunately, it went well, but it was tougher than I thought," he said.