Vietnam pro cyclist wins Asian title

The Vietnam number one cyclist crossed the finish line first in the women's elite 111 km race in three hours and 11.37 minutes in the last stage of the five-day tournament in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Vietnam participated in the tournament with That and three other top national cyclists, along with two youngsters. They competed with other pro riders from Bahrain, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Thailand, the UAE, Uzbekistan and the host Tajikistan.

Vietnam were not considered a title contender. But with strong support from her teammates, That managed to maintain a position among the leading cyclists. With 500 meters left, Kazakhstani racers tried to increase their speed to get ahead but failed to leave the Vietnamese girls behind.

With just 300 meters left, That sprinted forward to pass the racers of Kazakhstan and won the title. This is her second Asian triumph, after the first in 2018.

Young cyclist Nguyen Thi Be Hong also secured a bronze for Vietnam in the junior women’s 15 km individual.

The Asian Cycling Championship is considered part of preparations for the upcoming SEA Games 31 in May.