This one’s for you dad: ‘lost son’ Leung Chun-wing delivers perfect Father’s Day present as he wins Hong Kong Cycling Championships
Dream come true as highly-rated youngster celebrates with his parents on Father’s Day
Leung Chun-wing’s father joked that he had “lost a son” in recent years as his boy became one of Hong Kong cycling’s most highly-rated prospects.
Full-time training for the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and other major events, usually outside of the city, have seen 23-year-old Leung absent from home for months at a time – and now his younger sister has followed in his footsteps too.
But he delivered the perfect Father’s Day present yesterday as he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming Hong Kong road cycling champion for the first time, celebrating his success with his parents, father Leung King-yin and mother, Law Yee-lin.
He finished one second ahead of fellow Hong Kong team member Ko Siu-wai as he completed the 120-kilometre Hong Kong Championships with a time of two hours 55 minutes and 36 seconds in Tin Shui Wai. Third place went to another Hong Kong team member, Burr Ho (2:56.29).
“We seldom come back to race in Hong Kong and I am very happy to win it in front of my father on Father’s Day,” said Leung, who missed last year’s event due to overseas training commitments in preparation for the Rio Olympics.
“In fact my father [a retired chef] always complains that it looks like he had lost a son after I turned full-time a couple of years ago as I seldom have the opportunity of staying with my family in Hong Kong – especially my sister has now also followed in my footsteps to become a full-time rider!
“We can get together and enjoy a family meal tonight. My dad will prepare a big dinner.”
Leung’s sister, Hoi-wah, finished just one second off the podium in the women’s 78-kilometre race. Yang Qianyu was first in 2:03.12, ahead of fellow Hong Kong team members Pang Yao and Leung Wing-yee in the same time.
Leung, who will travel to Shandong next week in preparation for the China National Games in August, said the gold medal was a major reward for his hard work, especially as it was achieved in front of his parents.
“The National Games in Tianjin is approaching and the Hong Kong team has completed a transitional period and will send a competitive six-member road race team to the event. This remains our biggest challenge in the remainder of this year and we all look forward to a good result.”
Leung also paid tribute to coach Wong Kam-po, who quit his job at the Sports Institute last month to spend more time with his family.
“He spent 30 years as an athlete and a coach and has made huge contribution to Hong Kong cycling over these years,” said Leung.
“Without his hard work and achievement, our sport wouldn’t be able to enjoy so many benefits. He really deserves a break as his two-year-old son and wife need him the most.”
