Ramping up for Paris together

Not quite there

Despite Chinese riders' dominant performance in Shanghai, Wu Dan, head coach of the Chinese BMX freestyle team has played down expectations of euphoric home fans, calling for focus, patience and consistent efforts en route to Paris.

"While our riders performed exceptionally well here, it's important to remember that cyclists from Europe and America still dominate BMX freestyle," Wu told Xinhua.

"The support from other countries' associations and our foreign coach has been invaluable," Wu said.

China's teen sensation Deng, who finished third in Shanghai, attributed the breakthrough to Team China's collective strength.

"Every member of our team contributed to this result," said the 18-year-old former track and field athlete. "We encouraged each other and complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses. We stood united in the face of international competition."

With one more qualifier to go in Budapest next month, Team China is determined to secure the maximum quota of two places for each gender for each NOC, and go for China's first Olympic gold medal in the discipline.

"No matter who among us makes it to the Olympics, we represent China. It is an honor for all the Chinese BMX freestyle riders, and we are aiming for the highest step on the podium," said Deng.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn