Cycling

Nguyễn Thị Thật (left) on the podium for silver at the 43rd Asian Road Cycling Championship on June 11 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. — Photo Việt Nam Sport Team

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Thị Thật won silver from the 43rd Asian Road Cycling Championship on June 11 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Thật had to defend her title in the women's elite individual road race event which featured 85 competitors. Despite her strong effort, the Vietnamese could only come second in a time of 2hr 56.51min in a 112.6km stage.

Song Minji of South Korea took the top podium and Chinese Tang Xin placed third.

Thật's silver was the only medal of Việt Nam at this year edition.

The Asian championship was the last event for cyclists before they are to compete at the Paris Olympics in July.

Thật is the first Vietnamese cyclist in history winning a berth in an Olympics.

"Almaty route is quite difficult with many steep passes. Riders have to overcome a 3.5km hilly road each in eight laps. This is not a route that Thật could perform her best," said Việt Nam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation General Secretary Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ.

Although she could not defend her championship title Thật was still praised by the federation leaders for her strong effort through the race. — VNS