KING COMPLETES FIRST WEEK OF CHINA TOUR
After a ceremonial send-off in Beijing, King and his fellow riders set off for Shanghai
The first week of King Liu’s tour from Beijing to Shanghai included a ceremonial send-off from the Beijing National Stadium, plenty of support from local cycling groups in China, and teamwork to make it through daily rides as long as 80 kilometres.
Before departing on May 9, King and approximately 30 support riders spent two days in Beijing meeting with media and local cyclists.
Here’s a daily recap through the first week:
May 7
To familiarize themselves with cycling in Beijing, King and his group of fellow riders set out on a practice ride around the city. The group rode 30 kilometres and drew plenty of curious onlookers. King remarked: “I will finish the ride whether or not we have to ride in rain or on rugged roads.”
May 8
One day before the group’s departure, a press conference was held in Beijing, where King addressed the media and other important guests including some officers from China’s General Administration of Sport Cycling Fencing Center, representatives of the Taiwan Business Association and officers from China Airlines. King spoke for about 90 minutes on his objectives with the tour and his passion for cycling.
May 9
King and his support group of riders departed from the famous Beijing National Stadium. Known by most as “The Bird’s Nest,” this distinctive structure was built to host the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The average speed on the first day was 40 kilometres per hour; the group finished one hour ahead of schedule.
May 10
King and company rode to the Giant factory in Tianjin, where more than 600 Giant employees, lining both sides of the road, welcomed King. King’s son Young, the general manager of Giant China, was also on hand to welcome the group of cyclists. “It is so good to be home,” King said.
May 11
On Day 3, a route from Tianjin to Cangzou City, King and the riders faced the roughest roads yet in the Hebei Province. One rider fell, and the group stopped to wait while he received mechanical assistance to get back on the road. The Chinese police also provided support and were helpful in keeping all the riders safe.
May 12
Riders faced a strong headwind on the ride to Hing Wan City. Like a professional road racing team, the group formed a paceline to protect King from the wind. The challenge enforced the idea of teamwork within the group, and after passing by a famous iron lion statue in Cangzhou City, the riders arrived at their final destination around 2 p.m. The local government arranged a tour and a special meal for the riders.
May 13
The fifth day featured an 80-kilometre ride. Riders were happy to have pleasant weather and road conditions on the route to Wu City. King and his fellow riders were joined by a local cycling club on the road, and King was pleased to speak with them about his mission of enhancing the spirit of health on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
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