(Beijing, December 9) In an interview with the official website of the 07-08 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics on December 9, President Pat McQuaid of the International Cycling Union (UCI) commended the local organizers on the well-operated event and encouraged Chinese athletes to take part in more international competitions for further improvement.

Pat McQuaid arrived in Beijing on December 7 and spent all his time on the Beijing World Cup in the past three days, watching the races and exchanging views with the participating cyclists and officials. The UCI chief described the Beijing tournament as the best World Cup event he had ever seen and hoped the Olympic cycling competition in 2008 would be as exciting as this time. Commenting on the performance of the host team, he said that China has put in a lot of time and money in the sport, and by taking part in more international competitions with the world's elite riders the Chinese athletes will be able to raise their technical levels before long.

At the mention of the name of Guo Shuang, one of the Chinese women cyclists, the UCI President seemed very familiar with her. "Of course I know about Guo Shuang," he said. "She did very well this time by helping China earn a second bronze medal in the women's team sprint. With more training in the following half year I think she will be able to do better. I'll be waiting to watch her performing at next year's Olympic Games!"