Hong Kong has a new cycling star on the horizon. At only 19, Leung Ka-yu has already won several medals and titles.
At the 1st National Youth Games in Fuzhou in October he won gold in the men's individual road race and silver in the men's track-omnium event, securing half of the four medals Hong Kong's 214 athletes won at the Games.
The pedal powerhouse started riding bicycles at two years old and was mountain-biking at seven with his father motivating him all the way.
He recently told news.gov.hk: "My dad trained me intensively. He used to wake me up at midnight and practise with me. I didn't start to enjoy it until I won my first medal at the Hong Kong Future Cyclists competition hosted by the Cycling Association. Then I discovered joining competitions was fun."
Originally wanting to be a mountain-biker, Leung got into road racing by accident when his dad signed him up for the wrong event. Since then he has never looked back.
He grabbed his first Asian title in the men’s point race event in 2014 and was honoured with a Sports for Hope Foundation Outstanding Junior Athlete Award.
"I want to thank my dad. He invested so much in me and helped me get this far. I know he wants me to get good results in every race and to be a successful cyclist."
Leung now wants to break his personal record in every race he competes in, adding that winning gold at the Games has been his most glorious moment so far.
"It was my first time competing in such a major sports event. It's held once every four years like the Olympics, so I was excited. I never imagined winning any medals. My results made me realise that nothing is impossible."
Recalling that glorious moment, he said: "I was nervous because of the high level of competition. The peloton event was close - I was leading by just three or five seconds. I tried my best and when I knew I had crossed the finish line first, I was elated."
This taste of success has become an insatiable thirst for the ambitious youngster who has now set the Asian Games in his sights with the ultimate goal of reaching the Olympics further down the road.
Head coach of the Hong Kong squad Shen Jinkang believes Leung has the potential to fulfil his dreams.
"Leung Ka-yu is a locally-trained cyclist. When he became a full-time athlete we trained him as a key cyclist with potential. While preparing for the 1st National Youth Games we trained him to be the 'lead attacker'. It turns out he won in both events. I can see his potential. He can be a successful cyclist."
Not only does Leung have the steadfast tenacity needed to win at cycling's top level, he also has the psychological calm to see his dedication as a labour of love.
"When I ride all my troubles disappear. Without a bike in my life, I am nothing."
