The National Games road cycling test event will be held on Sunday. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be temporarily closed.

The National Games road cycling test event will take place on Sunday. There will be temporary traffic controls on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The Transport Department announced rolling traffic management on North Lantau Highway and Penny’s Bay Highway.

The event starts and ends at the Zhuhai Museum. The organizers have set up tents, an award podium, signboards, and barriers for road closures. Cyclists will travel from the museum to Seaside Park, passing the Fisher Girl Statue along the route.

Seventy-one athletes are competing, including three from Hong Kong. Liu Yunyou, who recently won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, is among them. He arrived in Zhuhai two days prior to the race for practice.

Liu Yunyou assessed the road conditions as normal and flat. He noted that the 20-kilometer bridge section will be new for him, and he expects wind to be a significant factor.

What preparation strategies do elite cyclists like Liu Yunyou typically employ before major events?

Interview with Cycling Specialist Dr. Emily Chan on the National Games Road Cycling Test Event

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chan. As we gear up for the National Games road cycling test event this Sunday, what are your thoughts on the logistics of the event, especially with the temporary traffic controls on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge?

Dr. Emily Chan: Thank you for having me. The approach taken by the Transport Department to manage traffic effectively during the event is commendable. The rolling traffic management on the North Lantau Highway and Penny’s Bay Highway is crucial, given the scale of the event and the number of athletes competing. Such measures ensure not only the safety of the cyclists but also the smooth flow of traffic for spectators and residents.

Interviewer: Liu Yunyou, the bronze medalist from the Hangzhou Asian Games, is among the 71 athletes participating. What do you think about his preparation and the conditions he has described?

Dr. Emily Chan: Liu’s preparation reflects a dedicated approach that many elite athletes adopt. Arriving two days early for practice allows him to acclimatize to the course conditions, which is essential. His assessment of the road conditions being ‘normal and flat’ suggests a good playing field for cyclists, but the 20-kilometer section on the bridge being new to him introduces an unpredictability factor, particularly concerning wind resistance, which can significantly affect performance.

Interviewer: Speaking of the route, what can you tell us about the sections the cyclists will be traversing, especially the transition from Zhuhai into the Hong Kong section?

Dr. Emily Chan: The route is indeed well-planned. Starting and ending at the Zhuhai Museum gives a centralized location for both logistics and spectators. The transition across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is a pivotal moment—it not only adds a unique element to the race but also tests the athletes against potential wind. Following the scenic route, including the famous Disneyland, will also provide a vibrant atmosphere for both cyclists and fans.

Interviewer: How do you see the expected race completion time of five and a half hours affecting the athletes’ strategies?

Dr. Emily Chan: The expectation for all athletes to complete the race within five and a half hours indicates a competitive and fast-paced environment. This timeframe necessitates careful pacing and strategic energy management throughout the 230-kilometer race. The top finishers will need to balance speed with endurance, especially in the bridge section where conditions may vary.

Interviewer: Lastly, what impact do events like this have on the local cycling community and the sport’s future in the region?

Dr. Emily Chan: Events like the National Games road cycling test not only showcase elite talent but also inspire local communities and aspiring athletes. They draw attention to cycling as a sport and can motivate increased participation at grassroots levels. Furthermore, the visibility of such events often leads to improved infrastructure and support for cycling initiatives. it bodes well for the future of cycling in the region.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Chan, for your insights on this exciting event. We look forward to seeing how the race unfolds!

Dr. Emily Chan: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing the event.
After leaving Zhuhai, the cyclists will cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and enter Macau and Hong Kong. They will follow North Lantau Highway to Disneyland before returning to Zhuhai. The total distance of the race is 230 kilometers.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will close in stages on Sunday morning, reopening at 12:30 p.m. The cyclists are expected to enter the Hong Kong section around 10 a.m. During this time, rolling traffic controls will be in effect. An open-air viewing area with about 500 seats will be available at Disneyland on a first-come, first-served basis.

Organizers expect all athletes to finish the race within five and a half hours. The top eight finishers will receive certificates.