Hong Kong cycling hope discovering ‘different world’ after jittery World Cup debut
Talented Ma Yik-fei in city team pursuit squad for Asian Track Cycling Championships, aiming to learn from tough first senior race in Perth
After being consumed by nerves on his senior Hong Kong debut earlier this month, Ma Yik-fei will continue his discovery of a “different world” when he competes in the Asian Track Cycling Championships next week.
Part of the city’s team pursuit silver medal squad at the UCI Track World Cup in Perth, Ma felt his edgy performance in the gold-medal race cost Hong Kong the chance of challenging powerhouse hosts Australia.
Nonetheless, Herve Dagorne had no qualms over choosing a rider long since identified as one of Asia’s brightest prospects for the continental meeting in the Philippines.
The teenager is in a six-man team pursuit squad that also includes Victor Lau Wan-hei, 31, who recently returned to the city set-up following a long absence. Dagorne will select his final four closer to the first day of competition on Wednesday.
“I’m thankful to Herve for giving me the chance in Perth, and to my teammates who forgave my mistake,” said Ma, who claimed two silver and one bronze from last year’s junior Asian track competition.
“They have expectations of me and I have to do much better in the Asian championships.