As the first Chinese rider signing with a UCI pro team, Li Fuyu
pleased the home crowd by becoming the best Asian rider on July 14,
2007 at the first stage of Tour de Qinghai Lake.
 |
As the first Chinese rider signing with a UCI pro team, Li Fuyu
pleased the home crowd by becoming the best Asian rider on Saturday
at the first stage of Tour de Qinghai Lake.
??
This was the fifth time that Li competed in the highest cycling
race in the world. However, this time was different for the
29-year-old rider, as it was the first time he strived here in the
famous Discovery Channel team jersey.
??
"It's really tough to sprint out of the main group in the last
15km," said Li, who finished the 146km race along with the leading
group. "Of course I'm eager to win, but we are a team. I'm happy to
assist my teammate to win the stage."
??
A total of 16 riders dashed the finishing line in three hours,
forty minutes and 46 seconds, but Li's teammate Allan Davies
managed to top the podium with tiny advantage. Li was ranked 16th
and grabbed the blue jersey awarded to the best Asian rider.
??
After taking part in the glorious Discovery Channel team the
beginning of this year, Li believed that he had made improvements
in all aspects. What's more, the Shandong native managed to take
seven Pro Tour points in the team time trial in Eindhoven,
Netherlands last month, which practically means that he qualifies
China for the Olympic road race in Beijing, next year.
??
"I still need to compete in more races to strengthen my
capability," said Li, "but I'm confident that I can get stronger at
the Beijing Olympics."
?
(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2007)