1st Hong Kong Cycle Classic - NE

Hong Kong, January 4, 2004

At the start of 2004, the cycling world points its eyes towards Hong Kong, where the Hong Kong Cycle Classic takes place. Asia's dynamic world city offers great scenery for the first pro-crit in 2004, which will be held on the 4th of January at 8:30 in the morning, between the skyscrapers of downtown Hong Kong. The field includes several Olympic and World Champions, including the world time trial champion David Millar.

Favourites for the Hong Kong Cycle Classic include many participants from the Tour of South China Sea, held in Hong Kong, South China and Macao. The biggest riders however still have to arrive in Hong Kong.

David Millar (world Champion Time Trial), Scott McGrory (Olympic Champion Madison), Bruno Risi (6 times world Champion, current WC Madison), Robert Hayles (silver medal World Championships Team pursuit) and Franz Stocher (World Champion points race) will be present. For Millar the 4th of January will be a special day. It is not only his birthday, but Millar was also raised in Hong Kong, where he started cycling. His father still lives there, so the tall rider with the Scottish nationality will be looking for a nice present to celebrate his birthday!

The course of the Hong Kong Cycle Classic is a 2.4 km lap between the skyscrapers and along the sea, near the Exhibition Center. With 40 laps to cover in total, the race will finish after 96 km. As there is no altitude difference and the corners are wide, it's expected the race will be run at a very high average speed, offering chances for the fast sprinters. With many track riders present with their good six day form, the winner may come from this side of the field. The riders that did the Tour of South China Sea may however have an advantage over the new arrivals. Or will David Millar show his Hong Kong fans why he is the World Champion and give a solo demonstration of his power?