Cycling: Racing into the Headwind

Chapter 147: Chapter 113: The Only Direct Clash Between the Yellow Jersey and the Green Jersey

After Coach Han’s tactical briefing, it was already late, and Huang Chong returned to his room to rest.

Six consecutive days of high-intensity racing, rain or shine. Although he had yet to be dropped, thanks to the system’s provisions, this was, strictly speaking, his first-ever multi-day race.

This high-intensity competition had left him feeling extremely fatigued, both physically and mentally.

’He couldn’t even begin to imagine how riders endured the three Grand Tours on the World Tour, which lasted a full twenty-one days.’

’Especially since many riders participated in two Grand Tours in a single year.’

’And Kuss from Vismar was even more of a monster, participating in all three Grand Tours in a single year—’

’How terrifyingly intense must that be?’

’Now that he’d actually competed in a multi-day race, Huang Chong felt that if he were to participate in a Grand Tour right now, simply finishing without getting dropped would be his absolute limit.’

’As for competing for stage wins or the overall title, that was nothing but a pipe dream.’

After Huang Chong returned to his room, Chen Junyi hurried over with some homemade beef bone broth, catching him just before he brushed his teeth.

She had made it herself using beef bones that had been tested and approved by the National Team.

Following nutritional principles, she had also added specific herbs known to help condition the body, relieve fatigue, and even reduce internal heat and soothe the lungs, all for their restorative and healing properties.

As Huang Chong drank the bone broth, he found it was surprisingly delicious. It wasn’t gamey at all, nor did it have any of the strange, medicinal aftertaste he expected.

Instead, it tasted more like a Cantonese herbal soup.

He looked over at Chen Junyi, who was sitting beside him, intently studying the terrain and data for tomorrow’s Stage 7 on her tablet. After a moment’s thought, he asked,

"Did you make this bone broth for me yourself this afternoon, using the team kitchen to cook it specially?"

Chen Junyi didn’t answer. She just turned to look at him, her first reaction being to ask,

"Is it not good? I tasted it before I brought it over. It should be fine, right?"

Seeing her misunderstanding, Huang Chong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He quickly smiled and explained,

"That’s not what I meant at all. The bone broth is delicious, and the herbs you added have a unique aroma. I can tell just from the taste that it’s great for recovery—"

"Good. As long as you don’t think it tastes bad, that’s all that matters!"

Chen Junyi nodded, her attention immediately snapping back to her tablet. She cut him off before he could say anything more about being grateful and continued,

"Tomorrow is Stage 7, from West Sea Town to Gonghe.

This stage features the South Mountain Luohe Pass, a First Category Climb, which is the final high-difficulty climb of this entire race.

It’s also the only true lakeside stage, with a section that runs for nearly sixty kilometers along the shore of Qinghai Lake.

On that lakeside road, the terrain is flat and open, so just like on our test ride, there will be strong crosswinds blowing in from the lake, which will make the race much harder.

If all goes as expected, the foreign riders from all over the world will launch their final attack on you tomorrow, on the climb leading up to South Mountain Luohe Pass.

After this pass, if they still haven’t managed to overturn the general classification, it’s over. Stage 8 is a flat stage for the sprinters, so there’s no chance for the GC to change.

So, during Stage 7, you have to give it everything you’ve got. On that final, difficult climb, you must stick to their wheels and not let go. Secure the overall championship of this Tour of Qinghai Lake once and for all!"

Hearing Chen Junyi talk only about work, Huang Chong opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated.

In the end, though, he gave up on bringing up the bone broth again. His expression turned serious as he nodded and said to Chen Junyi, his voice full of promise,

"Okay. I understand."

...

「July 15th.」

「10:00 AM sharp.」

The seventh stage of the 22nd International Qinghai Lake Road Cycling Race officially began.

Ever since he’d put on the Yellow Jersey on the podium after Stage 2, Huang Chong had never taken it off. To this day, he still wore the champion’s jersey, which was both conspicuous and a magnet for attacks.

As usual, he made his way to the front-row starting grid, reserved for the jersey holders at the head of the peloton.

Beside him, Lü Xianjing was once again wearing the blue jersey, which had been passed down to him. The Polka Dot Jersey, in turn, was being worn by the Medellin cyclist, Paredes Wilmar.

After the first six days of competition, Wilmar’s overall time still had him ranked second in the general classification.

As for the third, fourth, and fifth places behind him, there were no changes either, they were respectively:

Baldaccini Davide of the Corratec Team, Fagúndez Eric Antonio of the Burgos BH Team, and Mulubrhan Henok of the Bardiani Team.

But everyone knew that after today’s stage, things would change. While the four riders ranked from second to fifth—all separated by very small time gaps—might not be able to unseat Huang Chong from first place, the standings among themselves were bound to be completely shaken up.

Even if first place in the individual general classification was out of reach, the team classification was still very much up for grabs, and they had to fight for it.

And the higher their individual rankings, the better it would be for their team’s overall standing.

"We’re almost at the lakeside road. Everyone, hold a steady pace. First, help Mulubrhan take the two intermediate sprint points to solidify his hold on the Green Jersey.

After we secure the second intermediate sprint point before the climb, all domestiques, don’t hesitate for a second. Get straight to the front of Mulubrhan and lead him up the mountain.

Remember, this climb is our last chance. Even if we can’t take over first place in the GC, we have to at least move Mulubrhan further up in the current standings."