Liu Zhicheng of Shandong emerged victorious in the men's individual road race at China's 15th National Games, held in Guangdong Province on November 8, 2025. Liu's triumph was the culmination of a thrilling final sprint, where he broke away from his competitors. This race was a groundbreaking event, being the first cross-boundary race in the National Games' history, spanning 231.8 kilometers and crossing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge six times. The race connected Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, making it a unique and historic competition.
The podium was filled with a diverse range of athletes. Liu Zhicheng claimed gold, Xue Chaohua from Beijing secured silver, and Hu Haijie of Yunnan took the bronze. The competition was fiercely contested, with the top three positions decided by mere centimeters. Liu expressed his excitement, noting the faster pace in the latter part of the race and the intense final sprint, highlighting the high level of competition.
Silver medalist Xue Chaohua shared his enthusiasm for the route, describing the experience of cycling across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as breathtaking. He was surprised by the bridge's length and appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the well-designed course. Despite the challenging course, many riders completed it, with Chu Tsun Wai from Hong Kong achieving 15th place and Kam Chin Pok from Macao finishing in 30th.
The cycling competition at the National Games continues on Sunday with the women's individual road race, featuring 101 athletes. The day's events will culminate with the opening ceremony in the evening, marking the end of a historic and thrilling sporting event.
