Chinese need more international exposure
Chinese riders need more international training before they can make headlines on the local scene, according to several cycling experts.
Although the Tour of Qinghai Lake has put China on the world cycling map, the lackluster performances of Chinese riders remain a concern.
Only one Chinese rider, Hong Kong’s Wong Kam-po, has claimed a stage victory in the event’s 12-year history. Jiao Pengda, with the Champion System team, finished 21st overall this year.
Insiders said a lack of exposure to international professional races has hampered Chinese riders’ development.
“What brings riders up is competition. You can be training and training but you can still be sloppy in a race because you are not necessarily used to it,” said Shawn Nagel, a veteran cycling reporter from the US.
Cultivated in the State-run system, Chinese riders have few opportunities to compete on the world tour or get drafted by overseas pro teams to train with elite riders.
Although local contingents, like the Qinghai Tianyoude team, have started to operate in a more professional manner by hiring foreign staff, the overall investment and support still lags well behind foreign competitors.
“Chinese riders have the talent but are in urgent need of more freedom to manage their own careers in a professional way,” said Greg Chang, chief editor of Bikeman Media.
“Once they have the chance to learn from overseas experiences, they will improve quickly.”
Liu Biao, a Chinese rider who joined the Champion System team last year, said its logistics and support crew presented a stark contrast to the operations of his former Qinghai provincial team.
“People only see the riders competing at tours but don’t see how the team is running as a whole. The huge support team, which takes care of every detail related to the race, makes all the difference,” said Liu.
According to Chang, a protour team (at the top international level) usually comprises at least 40 staff members, including officials, trainers, mechanics, physical therapists and cooks. The average annual cost for such a staff runs to at least $20 million.
“In terms of the team operations, Chinese cycling still has a long way to go,” Chang said.
Phil Cortes, team leader and sports director of the Ukrainebased Amore and Vita team, said: “A lot of the improvements can come with money and education. With an accumulation of (a growing) cycling culture and education, the level here will rise.”