Head coach says new professor role will not compromise Hong Kong’s hunt for cycling glory

Herve Dagorne said he was “honoured” to be appointed as a university professor, but promised the new role would not compromise his single-minded mission of spearheading Hong Kong’s quest for continental and global cycling success.

Poised to lead the city squad in this week’s UCI Track World Cup in Perth, Dagorne, who recently signed a new two-year contract, was this week named as adjunct professor in The Education University of Hong Kong’s (EdUHK) Academy for Educational Development and Innovation.

Ceci Lee Sze-wing and Chloe Leung Wing-yee, Hong Kong’s leading two women cyclists, are both pursuing degrees from EdUHK.

“The university does a really good job in helping our athletes have flexibility with their studies,” said Dagorne, whose role will involve sharing his expertise with lecturers, students and fellow professors.

“The president and vice-chairman have been chasing me since last year, and it’s an honour to accept their offer. I can’t compromise my job, but it’s interesting and a chance to collaborate. It’s good to get out of your bubble and to be invested in the community.”

Dagorne’s squad have turned their attention to the track only over the past fortnight, following this month’s Asian Road Cycling Championships, where Hong Kong claimed one gold and one silver. The three-day Perth competition, which begins on Friday, will double as preparation for the Asian Track Cycling Championships later in March.