For athletes, as long as they failed to produce results, their positions were never truly secure.
This was especially true for those on the front line, who had to face the impact and competition of rising newcomers almost at any moment.
Strictly speaking, road cycling was an outdoor group sport, and because of the mask situation, its major events had basically been suspended for the past two years. The provincial team had gotten to coast along in comfort.
But good times always came to an end.
For instance, starting next year, they had all received news from the China Cycling Association about reforms: a domestic road cycling league would be established.
The provincial teams, along with domestic continental teams, would be the main participants in the local league.
Thus, for these six riders who had been lying flat for a long time—though they had continued training within the team, their overall level had long since stagnated, with some even declining—the team selection ten days later meant they would have to face enormous employment pressure in advance.
Once they lost their current official team slots in the selection, they would either be demoted to local teams or retire directly from the provincial team and see whether they could join some amateur teams independently formed by bicycle manufacturers.
At their average age of twenty-five or twenty-six, it was basically impossible for them to fight their way back onto a front-line team in the future and compete in higher-level events.
That was why, after learning that Huang Chong had won two gold medals and seeing his results, their moods suddenly became extremely grave.
A reserve rider possessed such terrifying strength. It was obvious he had come to take their places.
Judging from his results, it was practically a foregone conclusion.
"Where exactly did