Close quarters

At around 10:20 am, the race convoy entered the Hong Kong section of the event. The cyclists then tackled a 55.8-km segment that took them through the Hong Kong Port Artificial Island, the North Lantau Highway, and Penny's Bay Highway. The course offered a unique backdrop as it wound past Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where athletes made a U-turn before heading back to Zhuhai.

To give the public a front-row seat to the historic occasion, a dedicated viewing area was set up along Fantasy Road near the U-turn. Riders sped past the venue at approximately 11:15 am, greeted by spectators' cheers and applause.

Among them were groups of students, including Form Four student Chloe Yeung, who witnessed a large-scale sporting event up close for the first time.

"It was so exhilarating to see the racers speed past right in front of me," Yeung said. "I knew this was a historic event — the first cross-border race linking Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Seeing so many Hong Kong athletes participating was incredibly thrilling."

She said that such large-scale sports events are rare in Hong Kong.

"Realizing I was witnessing this inaugural cross-boundary event and that I could be here to personally encourage the athletes made me excited," she added. "The atmosphere was fantastic. I hope our school organizes more trips to events like this in the future — I would definitely join."

A teacher surnamed Cheng said that as the riders raced past, it allowed spectators to truly experience the intensity and speed of the event. He said it also helped him appreciate the extensive behind-the-scenes planning that made the race possible.

"Seeing everything, from the cyclists to the full complement of support vehicles, demonstrated a thoroughly well-organized and complete event," he said, adding his school will also take students to watch the rugby sevens event.

Form Five student Yu Xin-shun said that the joint hosting of the games provides an important opportunity to foster greater integration and development within the Greater Bay Area. It also facilitated valuable exchanges among young people.

"For example, having Hong Kong athletes participate in this competition creates meaningful opportunities for exchange," Yu explained. "We can learn from the Chinese mainland's advanced training methods and well-established sports systems, which are widely recognized for their excellence."

The race also attracted enthusiastic spectators on the other side of the border. In Zhuhai, parents brought their children to watch the race, and experience the spirit of the National Games on their doorstep.

Many Hong Kong residents made a special trip north to watch the start of the race. "I specifically came to Zhuhai and stayed overnight just to watch the race, even though it was over in a flash," said a resident surnamed Cheng. "With travel to the mainland being so convenient now, it's also good for a short trip."