On Saturday 8 February veteran Vietnamese racer Hoang Hai Nam defied all odds and won a time trial gold medal at the 2025 UCI Asian Road Cycling Championships in Thailand, despite competing on borrowed equipment.

After a truck fire destroyed the 61 year-old’s time trial bike, helmet, race kit and shoes while en route to the championships, the race organizer stepped up and offered replacement equipment.

But with less than 48 hours before he was scheduled to roll down the time trial start house ramp, Hoang Hai Nam had to set up, adjust, fine-tune and become comfortable with an unfamiliar bike, pedals, shoes, cleats, helmet and race kit.

After months and months of training on his personal equipment, no doubt he probably felt overwhelmed, just one misstep away from disaster at his first UCI Asian Road Championships.

Despite the huge setback and against all odds, Hoang Hai Nam delivered an outstanding performance in the men’s 60+ individual time trial, securing Vietnam’s first gold medal at the championships.

He finished the 10.7 kilometer long individual time trial in 15:30 at an average speed of 41.419 kp/h.

The Vietnam Cycling Federation (VCF) announced his remarkable achievement on Facebook, “This is the first time Hoang Hai Nam has represented Vietnam in an Asian-level event. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, he secured the gold medal in the over-60 men’s individual time trial.”

VCF also announced plans to send new bicycles and equipment to Thailand by 10 February, ensuring the rest of the team has proper equipment to compete at the highest level in the remaining events, which conclude 16 February.

Photo Credit: VCF

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