The Asian Mountain Bike Championships 2024, held in Malaysia from May 8 to May 12, concluded with Vietnam’s mountain biking team returning home without any medals despite high expectations and robust participation.
Among the Vietnamese contenders, Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh was a significant hopeful for securing a podium finish. Alongside her, the team included promising athletes such as Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, Ban Thi Vang, Bui Van Nhat, Nguyen Thai Nhut Anh, Chao Ong Luz Phim, and Dinh Van Linh. They competed in Olympic standard events, which also served as a preparatory platform for the upcoming SEA Games 33 in Thailand next year.
However, the results were less than favorable. Nhu Quynh finished 11th in the women’s Olympic cross-country race, clocking 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 41 seconds—far behind the winner, Wu Zhifan of China, who completed the race in an impressive 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 9 seconds. China dominated the event, clinching the top three positions.
Ban Thi Vang ranked 5th in the junior Olympic cross-country, while Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang placed 8th in the U23 women’s Olympic cross-country. The men’s team, despite their efforts, failed to secure any medals, with Bui Van Nhat and Nguyen Thai Nhut Anh struggling to make a significant impact in their respective categories.
In the mixed team relay event, Vietnam managed to secure the 7th place, showing some team strength but not enough to contest for medals.
This championship served as a reality check for Vietnam’s mountain biking team, highlighting areas needing improvement before their next big challenge. With several athletes missing the championship due to participation in other competitions like the race to Dien Bien Phu, the team was not at full strength.
Looking forward, the focus will shift to the continental road cycling championships in June, where Nguyen Thi That, Vietnam’s sole qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, will aim to prepare rigorously despite recent injuries. Her participation is crucial not only for her career but also for elevating Vietnam’s profile in international cycling.
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