Ningbo cyclist secures record for China

Li You competes in the men's U23 time trial of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. [Photo/Tide News]

Li You, a student at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNCC), delivered a breakthrough performance for Chinese cycling at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, held in Rwanda from Sept 21 to 28.

The 21-year-old engineering student finished 24th overall in the men's under-23 time trial, placing second in Asia, the best result ever for a Chinese rider. He also helped his team secure ninth place in the mixed relay, another national best.

Encouraged by his father, who is also a passionate cyclist, Li rode the 2,400-kilometer Yunnan-Xizang route at just 12 years old.

"The first stages were brutal, sometimes climbing 30 kilometers a day," he recalled, "But once you push past the pain, you realize cycling is about joy as much as endurance."

His time at the UNNC provided crucial support for his transformation from amateur to elite athlete. Access to professional cycling facilities, a dedicated training lab, and personalized coaching allowed him to balance academics and high-level training.

"It was a leap from zero to one," Li said, "Training had to become scientific and systematic, not just based on instinct, and the university gave me the environment and guidance to make that possible."

After a series of domestic wins and rapid professional development, Li is now focused on the next stage of his career: "I want to keep improving as a rider, representing China at the highest level."