Chapter 495 It's Great to Have a Godfather's Backing

After walking out of the airport, Huang Chong experienced for the first time what it truly meant for a place to be swarming with people and deafeningly loud.

Countless fans, though separated to either side of the walkway by airport security, erupted into frenzied cheers the instant they saw him emerge.

“HUANG CHONG!!! YOU’RE A BEAST!!!”

“Yellow God, go for it! Win another title at the Tour of Guangxi!!!”

“Huang Chong, you’re so handsome!!!”

“Yellow God, I love you! Please give me an autograph!!!”

…

The roar came from countless men and women. As Huang Chong glanced over, he discovered that the gazes of nearly every fan present were fixed on him.

He used to be unable to understand why celebrities had so many fans show up to greet them at the airport.

But now, he was finally starting to understand.

‘So this is the impact of competing on home turf. Not only are thousands of eyes on me, but everyone’s hopes are pinned on me as well.’

Faced with such a frenzied scene, Huang Chong had to admit he felt quite nervous.

When he competed in Europe, there were always some Chinese fans who came to support him at each race, but their numbers were nothing compared to this.

Knowing that so many fans had traveled from afar just for him made his heart race even faster than when he was sprinting against Pogačar for the finish line.

But despite his nervousness, he was no longer a fledgling rookie. He could still keep a placid expression on his face.

So he simply maintained his smile, waving to everyone with the utmost goodwill. In the limited time he had, he did his best to sign autographs for the fans on either side.

Of course, there were far too many fans for him to sign an autograph for every single person.

Moreover, the team bus had been waiting outside the airport for a while. He had to get to the hotel as soon as possible; he had a meeting with race officials and a banquet to attend that evening.

Before the race, his schedule was packed to the brim.

Even the time for fan service like this was limited.

“Thank you all so much for coming to the airport to welcome me home in this heat. I really appreciate it. My schedule is very tight today, so I’m sorry I can’t get to everyone for an autograph. But for those who didn’t get one today, don’t worry. You can find me at the fan meet-and-greet our team will be arranging. Also, our team will be hosting some group training events in the coming days. Everyone is welcome to sign up!”

After Huang Chong finished a round of autographs, a staff member came to remind him that it was about time. He had to leave the airport and take his team bus to the hotel arranged by the race organizers.

But when he was the last one to get back on the bus, it was obvious that everyone—from the coaches to his teammates—was looking at him with deep envy.

And why not? Who wouldn’t want a hero’s welcome from thousands of their home country’s fans?

Aleotti shot Huang Chong a thumbs-up and asked with a grin,

“Huang, it must feel pretty good to be treated like a hero by all these fans, huh? Honestly, I’ve never seen any rider get a reception this huge, not even Tadej. I know your country has a massive population, but the atmosphere for the Tour of Guangxi is just incredible!”

“That’s for sure, but it’s all thanks to the results Huang has achieved this year.”

“He didn’t just win numerous one-day races, stage races, and a Grand Tour title for our team; he also won two gold medals for his country in two major international competitions this year, making an unprecedented historical breakthrough.”

“And this is only his first year on a World Tour Team. It’d be stranger if the fans *didn’t* love and adore him after racking up so many incredible results.”

“Don’t worry, Huang. We all know these compatriots of yours are here for you. The rest of us will go all out during the race to help you win another title at the Tour of Guangxi and end the season on a high note.”

Huang Chong was, of course, happy to hear his teammates being so supportive.

Even though some of them wouldn’t be with the Red Bull Bora Team next year, the bond they had formed this season was something to be cherished.

He smiled and replied,

“Thanks, everyone. I’ll ride my best in this last race of the season and live up to your expectations.

Besides, I couldn’t have gotten these results this year without all of your help.

“Buchman, Schachmann—you two are like big brothers to me. We’ve been racing together pretty much since the Tour of Australia and the UAE Tour at the start of the year.”

“And I couldn’t have found my footing in the World Tour so quickly without your constant encouragement and support.”

“As for being so well-liked by the local fans, I’m happy, of course, but it also puts a lot of new pressure on me. To be honest, I’d much rather be on the race course putting on a good performance to give back to the fans—and to repay your trust, the team’s trust, all of it—than participating in all these off-bike events.”

Hearing Huang Chong say this undoubtedly put his teammates at ease.

After spending almost a year with him, they all knew his personality well. He was the type who wouldn’t get arrogant after winning a championship, and he certainly wouldn’t try to run the team like a one-man show.