Once Huang Chong effortlessly dropped Sivakov on the steep climb, the result was settled.
But for the VIP fans who witnessed it firsthand, especially his best friend Du Wei, seeing Huang Chong defeat every rival through sheer strength at such close range-and leave them utterly powerless to fight back-was almost overwhelming!
So they instinctively roared and screamed at the tops of their lungs!
Quite a few fans even raised their phones, keeping their cameras locked on Huang Chong in his Rainbow Jersey. Outside the barriers, they matched his climbing pace, each transforming into a champion sprinter as they chased their idol's back up the steep slope.
"Huang Chong, you're fucking amazing!!!"
"Huang God, keep pushing!!!"
"The finish is right ahead!!!"
"The riders behind can't catch you!!!"
"Huang Chong, you're the god of Nongla Mountain!!"
"Big brother, keep going!!"
Amid the countless cheers, Huang Chong charged toward the summit without looking back again.
His gaze stayed fixed ahead, his only target the white line beneath the finish arch.
He knew his best friend and his family were right behind him.
They were waving their cheering flags furiously, happy for him and proud of him.
He also knew that cycling fans watching across the country must be thrilled and celebrating for him-so he had to stay completely focused until his front wheel was the first to roll safely across the white finish line. Only then did he begin celebrating in relief, drawing deep breaths and letting his nearly maxed-out heart rate gradually drop until it finally settled!
Once again, he was the first rider to reach the summit of Nongla Mountain!
But unlike last year's narrow victory, secured in roughly the final ten meters, this year he had controlled the race from the foot of the mountain.
On the final 1.2 km