Chapter 490: Reaching the Pinnacle of the Human World

But even with such a massive informational advantage, he had still almost lost the gold medal.

From this, it was clear that if the World Championships were contested by World Tour Teams, he truly would have had no chance.

Of course, this was also thanks to Slovenia’s tactical choice, which had been far too aggressive.

They had Pogačar attack from 100 kilometers out. Afterward, he had to maintain a power output of nearly 400 watts. That level of difficulty would have been incredibly tough even for one of the Mars People by the time the final lap came around.

Huang Chong hadn’t pulled for even a single meter the entire race. The endless drafting had allowed him to conserve far more energy than his rival.

However, having learned his lesson from this defeat, Pogačar would absolutely never give him such a comfortable opportunity to draft again when they next met.

But no matter what, Huang Chong was more than satisfied with winning this year’s World Championships.

His current feelings were something perhaps only Skjelmose of the Trek Team could understand next year.

Because that guy would decisively launch a pursuit after Pogačar’s early solo breakaway in the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, and ultimately defeat the Great Demon King at the finish line!

‘Who says the sun is scorching and getting too close will get you burned?’

‘He was determined to be the Celestial God Hou Yi from Chinese mythology and ruthlessly shoot down the sun!’

After the passionate celebration, Huang Chong, his body on the verge of cramping, went to the stationary trainer to cool down and wait for the other cyclists to finish the race.

However, an official reporter for the World Championships clearly couldn’t wait for the post-race press conference. Filled with excitement, they went straight to him on the trainer for an immediate interview:

“Huang, congratulations. I’m sure you’re incredibly excited right now, I don’t even need to guess. But I still have to ask you as part of the race procedure, do you realize what you’ve just achieved? Please share with me what you’re truly feeling inside right now!!”

Huang Chong’s eyes were still red. He was indeed overcome with excitement.

‘If this race were to happen again, I really can’t say for sure that I could beat Pogačar.’

He wiped the tears and sweat from his face, and after taking a moment to compose himself, he replied, weeping with joy:

“Yes, I’m feeling very emotional right now. I know that I’ve just defeated the true king of this sport, road cycling—Tadej. But to be honest, it all feels like a dream right now. It’s all like— the most beautiful dream I’ve ever had!”

“Yes, it’s absolutely the most beautiful dream in the world!”

The reporter continued with a smile:

“But I just noticed you used a word with such weight, ‘king,’ to describe Tadej. What are your thoughts on his performance? Do you feel that from now on, you’ll be able to beat him head-to-head? We all know that next month in Italy, there’s another major autumn classic: the Tour of Lombardy. Although fans call this course ‘Tadej’s backyard,’ your riding style is also well-suited for it. Are you confident you can win against him again?”

This series of questions was clearly a trap.

If Huang Chong went along with the reporter’s line of questioning, it would definitely stir up conflict among the fans.

Besides, he didn’t dare make the boastful claim that he could now consistently beat Pogačar.

In competitive sports, anything is possible until you’re the first one to cross the finish line.

He didn’t want to be a braggart. After careful consideration, he calmly replied:

“No, I don’t think so.

I think fans all over the world are very clear about how strong Tadej is.

To win such an important victory against him is even more difficult than climbing Mount Everest alone without an oxygen tank.

No one would dare say, in any situation or at any time, that they can beat him head-to-head.

But I’m truly grateful to have achieved this miraculous victory.

Especially at the World Championships, I was representing my country, carrying the expectations of over a billion of my fellow countrymen.

I’m proud of my performance today, and I’m glad I didn’t disappoint all the fans who support me, my family, my friends, and my superiors.

But if we were to do this race over again, I don’t think my chances of winning would be as high as his.

As for the Tour of Lombardy you mentioned, the course profile does suit me well, but the team and I haven’t discussed whether I’ll participate yet.

To be honest, I’m really tired right now.

As you know, I participated in this year’s Tour de France, then the Paris Olympic Games, and immediately after that, I rode in the Vuelta a España.

These are all such top-tier, important races, and every single one requires giving your all.

So right now, I’m not thinking about what’s next. I just want to enjoy this World Championships victory and, if possible, take a few days off to rest and relax.”

“Alright, I understand how hard you Professional Cyclists work. Indeed, the high-intensity races and packed schedule are very tough for you all, not to mention having to constantly maintain peak competitive form.”

Seeing that he couldn’t trap Huang Chong, the reporter didn’t press the issue and asked with a final smile:

“One last question. Let’s talk about the meaning of road cycling as a sport. What drives you to overcome all difficulties, to cross mountains and seas, to come all the way from China to the distant land of Europe and win one victory after another?”

“I think it’s about possibility.”

Huang Chong said frankly:

“As a professional athlete, constantly challenging your limits and creating infinite possibilities is a huge temptation in itself. It’s like how people have natural desires when they’re alive, right? Desire drives people to work hard to get the rewards they want. Of course, to have achieved so much, I have to thank all the fans who support me, my team, my family, and also my rivals, like Tadej, van der Poel, Remco, and so on. Without their incredible strength, it would have been impossible to spark my own competitive spirit and will to fight. Although there’s only one champion in the end for each race, in my opinion, every single cyclist who steps onto the professional stage is a deserving winner. After all, for us as Professional Cyclists and athletes, our most fundamental purpose is to convey a certain spirit to the world. It’s the spirit of not fearing hardship, of gritting your teeth and persevering even when things seem impossible, and in doing so, creating new possibilities. I hope that through our efforts and performances in the competitive arena, we can give everyone confidence and encouragement. Whether facing temporary difficulties or the whole of a long and ordinary life, I hope everyone can find enough courage to live out their true worth and lead a brilliant life.”

…

After the interview, once all the cyclists had finished the race, Huang Chong changed into casual athletic shoes but kept on his National Team jersey and went to the podium to receive his gold medal.

Although Pogačar had lost the race, he was truly a top superstar with a great personality. He not only congratulated Huang Chong with a smile but also gave him a hug, took photos with him, and so on.

It’s worth mentioning that the bronze medal at this year’s World Championships didn’t go to van der Poel or Evenepoel. Instead, it was snatched up by Ben O’Connor of the Australian Team, who made a decisive attack at the last moment.

The three of them stepped onto the podium at the same time, and just like at the Olympic Games, Huang Chong once again stood on the highest step.

He not only received a gold medal and flowers, but also another Tissot Watch from the sponsor. At the same time, an official from the organizing committee personally presented him with the unique Rainbow Jersey, exclusive to the World Champion.

For the next year, until the World Championships in Rwanda, he could wear the Rainbow Jersey in all top-tier road cycling races except for Individual Time Trials (ITT).

Without a doubt, this was the unique jersey of honor that every Professional Cyclist dreamed of wearing.

Perhaps it didn’t carry the same weight as the Tour de France’s overall leader’s Yellow Jersey, which signifies the strongest king of road cycling, but it represented a country’s level in the sport, which at this very moment, had reached the pinnacle of the entire world!

And Huang Chong was the pioneer who had created this miracle for China!