Chapter 290 - 167: First Battle Against Pogačar, First Liège Race, First Time in the Main Lineup

As Huang Chong overtook Stephen Williams at the last moment to cross the finish line, Aldag’s coaching staff, including Denke on the team bus, erupted into passionate and excited roars:

"Nice! Huang, your performance in the last 150 meters was outstanding!!

This is a magnificent victory!!

Congratulations on another win. The team is so grateful for your hard work during this race. Now, go and enjoy the celebration with the fans!

Also, after you’re done signing autographs for the fans, remember to come back to the team bus right away. Charlie is going to give your right hand another check-up!

If it’s all clear, we’re taking you to the Liège Region to compete in the Liège Race, your first of the five Monuments!"

As soon as Huang Chong crossed the finish line, Aldag’s excited voice crackled through his radio earpiece.

Hearing the voice, Huang Chong pulled his attention away from the system’s reward text.

The champion of Flèche Wallonne received 400 points, so after converting them all into FTP Power, he gained an 8-point boost, bringing his total to 436 watts.

He replied over the radio:

"Thank you, Director. Thank you for trusting me!

I also want to thank all the team staff for their hard work.

This victory belongs to the entire team!

Without everyone’s help, I never would have been able to make that comeback at the end. I’ll be back at the bus soon!"

While finishing his reply, Huang Chong began signing autographs for the frenzied Belgian fans gathered on both sides of the finish line.

The local fans were undoubtedly intrigued by this new King of Wallonne.

He was the first Asian rider to take the crown in such a top-tier race.

As one of the historic Ardennes Triple Crown races, it was fair to say that its previous champions were all legendary figures.

For Huang Chong to have his name etched alongside those of such great riders on the roll of honor was, without a doubt, a historic achievement.

Of course, as a rider from China, any of his victories on the World Tour were historic, not just the ones where he took the crown.

No matter who else might make it to the World Tour in the future, trying to replicate the honors he had now earned would be an incredibly difficult task, no different from scaling one towering mountain after another.

Most importantly, his World Tour career was just beginning. Not even he knew what heights he might reach in the future.

"Huang, your performance today was absolutely crazy! I’ve heard China is an incredible country. I really want to visit!"

As Huang Chong signed an autograph for a female Belgian fan, she expressed her excitement to him in French.

Belgium is a fascinating country, especially in the south, where different regions have different languages.

There are French, Italian, and German-speaking areas, among others.

The Wallonne Region is a French-speaking area, so the Belgians here commonly speak French.

In professional road cycling, the Tour de France is the most prestigious race. Huang Chong had, of course, learned French long ago, so he smiled and replied in the same language:

"Thank you for your support, ma’am.

My home country is indeed a very stable, peaceful, and open nation.

The infrastructure is also fantastic now. On behalf of my country, you are welcome to visit any time.

I can guarantee that when you arrive, no matter where you go, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the local people!"

After a brief autograph session with the fans, as the race winner, Huang Chong was naturally approached for an interview by the organizers’ press. A very charismatic female reporter smiled and said:

"First of all, congratulations, Huang. Your performance in the final moments was simply incredible.

Honestly, your attack in the final 150 meters reminded me of another rider—Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team.

Did you know? He was last year’s Flèche Wallonne champion!

Your victory today was a carbon copy of his last year.

You both attacked on the most difficult section of the steep climb, completely blowing away your rivals to win with ease.

I’m curious to ask, did you watch last year’s race? Or perhaps model your win after his?"

Huang Chong smiled and replied:

"Of course. Tadej is the most outstanding cyclist of our generation, and he’s also my idol.

I think for any professional Road Cyclist, especially a GC-type rider, no one would miss watching his races or studying his riding style.

Even though I was still competing in my own national league last year, I definitely watched the live broadcast of his race.

The Flèche Wallonne is won or lost on the final few hundred meters of the Mur de Huy.

If I recall correctly, he launched his attack about 200 meters from the finish, right?

Whereas today, I didn’t attack until the 150-meter mark.

So, compared to his ability, I believe there’s still a significant gap!"

"Thank you for your answer, Huang. You’re being too modest.

From a fan’s perspective, for you to join Bora Team and, in such a short amount of time, win one top-tier race after another—it’s incredibly exciting—

My next question is this: I’d like to know if Bora Team now considers you its core rider for one-day races and the Classics?

We all know you won the historic Milan-Turin Race, then won Crossing Flanders last month, and now you’ve won Flèche Wallonne.