We’re in the hills of China today for the national championship. Lyu is the favorite, a win would certainly be good for his sponsors.
A small break of 3 amateurs is closed down with about 12k to go and a select group with most of the pro’s emerges from the final descent. On the valley road with 8k to go Zhao puts the pressure on, stretching the lead group out.
The pace eases and a group of 35 comes back together. As they near the base of the finishing climb it is a sprint to get to the bottom of the climb.
As they swing onto the final climb Liu bursts to the front. A couple of amateurs in 2nd and 3rd. Defending champion Jiang leads on the right. Lyu is a little trapped behind Shikai
Under the 1k banner still Liu in front, Zhao and Ma the Duvel riders closest to him. Lyu still trapped on the right behind Jiang and Niu, the latter having squeezed past him.
600 meters, Liu still leading. The amateurs all out of it now as the pros fight it out.
400 meters Zhao takes the lead but Niu and Lyu are coming up fast now.
100 meters, Niu and has a slight edge over Lyu.
Niu wins his 3rd Chinese national title. Lyu settles for 2nd, Duvel really failed to make their numbers count, he was badly positioned when the climb started. Liu hangs on for third.
Chinese National Championships 
