Seeing one of their own cross the finish line first, ahead of the Longjiang Team riders, the Zhejiang Team riders instantly went wild.
Huang Chong had won one of the only two gold medals in the entire event that had not been swept by the Longjiang Team.
Zhou Zitong had been waiting at the finish line for Huang Chong to ride in. Now that he was right before his eyes, he was overwhelmed with excitement.
He looked even more thrilled than if he had won the championship himself.
Once the judges allowed Huang Chong to leave the course, Zhou Zitong immediately rushed forward and helped him down from his road bike.
"Bro, my dear bro!!!"
"You're freaking incredible! Another gold medal!!!"
"Especially that solo breakaway over the final two laps—you're practically my god!"
"Bro, I think those legs of yours need insurance, just like Lang Lang's hands. They're way too precious!"
Zhou Zitong went up and gave Huang Chong a huge hug, not caring that he was drenched in sweat.
Then the other team members, including Chen Guangyi and the rest, also came up one after another to give Huang Chong celebratory hugs.
They escorted Huang Chong from the course back to the team tent, looking like a group of soldiers surrounding their triumphant general.
"Huang Chong, you little punk, just how many more tricks have you been hiding? Spit it out already."
Xie Kun was equally emotional. He gave Huang Chong's hand a firm shake, then said with deep feeling, "I originally thought that since this was your first time competing in a national-level event, you'd lack experience. That's why I wanted you to stay tucked behind the opponents and try to fight it out in a bunch sprint.
"But who would've thought? Your first National Road Cycling Championships,