Cycling first, hero worship later

SINGAPORE — For someone who learnt to ride a bicycle at the age of 14, Benedict Lee is making up for lost time.

The 19-year-old National Serviceman is in Ponferrada, Spain this week as Singapore’s lone participant in the 2014 UCI (International Cycling Union) Road World Championships, where he will compete in the men’s Under-23 individual time trial.

The event is a gathering of champions, with the likes of current Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali of Italy and 2012 winner Bradley Wiggins taking part in the senior road race.

While rubbing shoulders with cycling’s elite would be a treat for the budding young rider from Siglap, Lee is mindful not to get star-struck.

“I’d love to see them, of course, but I won’t go all crazy like a fan boy asking for autographs,” he said.

“I’m going there to race, to get a job done, not to enjoy myself. I’ve put in too much effort preparing for this race to just go there and treat it like a holiday away from the army.”

Contrary to often-heard stories of Singapore sportsmen whose athletic ambitions have stalled after enlistment into National Service, Lee said being part of the Singapore Armed Forces Sportsmen Scheme has helped his career.

“My unit has been extremely supportive and my direct superior and unit commander are proud that one of their men is a national athlete,” said Lee, who is given half a day to train daily under the scheme.

“Being part of the Sportsmen Scheme means I can’t simply decide not to train because I don’t feel like it as it would be considered AWOL (absent without leave).”

Last October, he was invited by the OCBC Singapore Professional Cycling Team to race in the junior event at Japan’s Tour de Okinawa, before being drafted into the Republic’s only professional cycling outfit for the 2014 roster.

As Singapore’s sole flagbearer in Spain, Lee is aiming for a personal best when he tackles the 36.15km time-trial next Monday.

“Last month, I won a race with an average speed of 43.3kph over 36km, and I’m in a good shape to better that,” Lee said. “I’m excited to race against the world’s best Under-23 riders, but I will come away from this with the momentum to win the Singapore national under-23 title this November.” PHILIP GOH