LIANG (CHN) earns early birthday celebration with individual time trial bronze

WUHAN (CHN) - Chinese cyclist LIANG Hongyu was exhausted, but could not stop smiling after being one of her country’s first medalists at the 7th CISM Military World Games.

The 28-year-old, who celebrates her birthday on Wednesday, earned herself an early celebration as she took the bronze medal in the women’s Individual Time Trial on Saturday at East Lake Greenway Road Cycling Venue.

She secured the bronze medal on the first medal day of the Games with her time of 21min 45.747sec behind two French women Severine ERAUD (1st, 21:23.278) and Juiette LABOUS (21:23.315) over the 15.95km course.

In very warm conditions HONGYU said she tried as hard as she could to be the quickest.

“I am totally exhausted both mentally and physically,” she said. “I fought tooth and nail to the finish line. I was eager to get the gold. Of course, it would feel better if the medal was gold, but I have tried my best so there is actually nothing to regret.

“I really want to thank my superior in the army for offering me this opportunity.”

HONGYU said the warm conditions on the course were actually to her liking.

“The weather was pretty good today, although it is a little bit hotter than yesterday. The temperature suits the riders because cold weather may cause muscle problems.”

The professional cyclist said she was enjoying her first CISM Military World Games.

“This is my first CISM Military World Games experience and I think it is quite splendid, especially the Opening Ceremony,” she said. As a soldier, I would feel prouder if I had won the gold medal, but it does not matter because I will strive constantly for the top.”

(Source: SUMOC Executive Committee - Editor YANG Si - Pictures: Eddy Kellens, CISM Photographer)