A 25-year-old Hebei cyclist made history this week by winning the men's 40km individual time trial at Al Khor. Song Baoqing became the country's first road cyclist to win a major title on international stage.

And not a single Chinese photographer was there to record the historical moment.

The Chinese media didn't think the poorly rated Chinese riders rated any chance.

Unlike his gymnastics and table tennis counterparts, Song had to celebrate his historical gold medal without flashing cameras and the cheers of fans.

"No photographers here? It doesn't matter for me," said Song, shrugging his shoulders. "Anyway, this is a big win for my country and also for myself."

"This is absolutely a surprise, not only for media and fans but also for myself.

"I know time trial was a very weak event for China so we didn't set any goal of medal before the Games. I never think I will win the event."

He has every reason to be modest before the Games as China never had anything of note at the 40km time trial, one of the most competitive cycling event in the world. The team failed to qualify for the Asian Championships earlier this year in Thailand.

And for Song himself, underdog is exactly a better name than title contender. Despite winning the National Games last year and National Championships twice before, Song hasn't taken any international title during his 10-year professional career.

He did not even finish the men's road race two days ago.

But in Tuesday's time trial, his sprinting ability was on fully display from the beginning and he dashed out strongly over the last 10 km to win his first Asiad gold.

Evgeny Vakker of Kyrgyzstan took the silver in 56:16.83, while the bronze medal was taken by Andrey Mizurov of Kazakhstan in 56: 51.92.

"I prepared for the individual time trial for at least three months," said Song. "I don't think I won it by luck or something but it is out of our expectations.

"Today I did really well. I led them from the beginning."

China's sports officials praised Song, saying the unexpected gold was a long time coming.

"We've been waiting for this breakthrough for quite a long time," said Wang Xuanqing, vice-director of Chinese Cycling Association. "It gave a dose of confident to Chinese cycling before the Beijing Olympics."

However, Song has a long way to go to play good at the Olympics. Song's winning speed - 44.8 km per hour, is left in a wide margin by his European opponents. Cyclists' average speed at the Tour of France is around 45 km per hour with elite athletes reaching 50 and above.

"I am working on it (to narrow the gap)," said Song. "From now on, I will concentrate on preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games, I will try my best to get good result in Beijing."

(China Daily December 7, 2006)