In the women's elite road race event, That finished second with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes 5 seconds, just half a bike length behind champion Jutatip Maneephan of Thailand. Lee Sze Wing of Hong Kong (China) claimed third place.
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Jutatip Maneephan of Thailand (right) win the Asian Road Cycling Championships's women's elite road race while Vietnamese Nguyen Thi That finishes second for a silver. (Photo of TCA) |
That, a Paris Olympian, was one of the title favorites, having previously won three gold medals and one silver. With the support of her three teammates, she maintained a leading position throughout the entire 105.7km stage, which featured more than 80 competitors from 11 teams.
At the 100km mark to the finish, That was not in an ideal position for a sprint, unlike Jutatip Maneephan.
However, her strong effort helped her become one of the three leading riders. That pedaled vigorously from third place but could not advance to second, and she failed to catch up with Maneephan, who has been one of her arch-rivals in many continental and regional tournaments.
The duo will face each other again in the Tour of Thailand in May, where Maneephan will defend her title. That, having lost to the Thai cyclist last year, will aim for the top spot.
That is Vietnam's most accomplished international cyclist. In addition to her three Asian titles, she has won five gold medals and numerous other medals at the SEA Games. She made history last year as the first Vietnamese cyclist to qualify for the Olympics. Currently 31 years old, That rides for the Israel-Premier Tech Roland Club of Switzerland. She also competed for the Lotto Soudal Ladies team of Belgium in 2019.
On February 13, Vietnam secured a silver medal in the men's master 50-54 year-old road race, thanks to Luu Van Thanh.
After nine days of competition, Vietnamese athletes have won two gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals.
The tournament will end on February 16.
Source: VNA