Hong Kong’s Chan Chun-hing on a mission to raise the bar in local mountain biking

Chan has eschewed the normal path into coaching and set up his own company organising events for the public or riders with potential in the sport.

“Now I am no longer an athlete, I am a mountain bike promoter,” he said. “I have to handle everything from event organisation to its marketing side, including talking to sponsors, volunteers, the cycling association and other related authorities. It’s a big challenge.”

Chan, 36, will stage his first event in Cheung Chau on Sunday, with more than 150 riders entered including Asian Games multi-gold medallist Wong Kam-po. The event will also feature other cycling events such as cycle cross.

Chan said cycling clubs and authorities in mainland China and Taiwan had also approached him for possible joint ventures.

“They know me well in mountain biking and are happy to use my expertise to help them develop the sport,” he said. “I welcome all the opportunities, and let’s see how it progresses.”