Newsletter- New Zealand girls who love cycling
On October 14, a reporter from China News Service had the chance to meet a spirited New Zealand cyclist, Mulan, also known as Teo Crystal Jie Yu, after she crossed the finish line at the Wudang Mountain Cup in the Wudang Mountain National Forest Park. At 31 years old, she was exhausted post-race but accepted her 9th place finish with a smile, showing no inclination for dramatic celebrations.
“I did really well for my first competition,” she commented after completing the 2024 Inner Mongolia 14th Wudang Mountain Cup Cycling Race and the 2nd University Road Cycling Invitational for women on the evening of the 13th.
Eight years ago, Mulan moved from New Zealand to China, where she now works at a university in Inner Mongolia. Cycling is one of her major hobbies, and recently, she invested over 20,000 RMB in a brand-new bike to enhance her riding experience.
Just two weeks prior to the competition, Mulan learned about the Wudang Mountain Cup and immediately began her training. She immersed herself in video tutorials to understand the race rules. Reflecting on her finish, she humbly stated, “I believe my ranking was just due to the luck of having someone behind me.”
Due to her job, Mulan usually rides in Hohhot, the city where she works, but last week she ventured on a biking trip to Daqingshan, a popular tourist spot. “I particularly love the freedom that comes with cycling; it feels incredibly refreshing,” she shared.
While riding around Hohhot, she often posts pictures on social media. She once expressed her admiration for the autumn sorghum fields, stating she felt like she could be a farmer. She’s also been captivated by brand-new motorcycles parked along her route, noting in her circle of friends, “The beautiful bikes, mountains, and scenery—it’s truly breathtaking.”
While Mulan’s cycling adventures aren’t extensive, she recalls her two-week ride along the stunning Duku Highway in Xinjiang, saying, “It was tiring, but I enjoyed every moment.” Another memorable experience was her trip to Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, where she cycled around the lake, reveling in the beauty of China’s landscapes. Looking ahead, she dreams of a spontaneous ride along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
During the recent cycling race, Mulan didn’t fixate on her ranking; instead, she took her time to appreciate the scenery along the route. She felt a deep appreciation for the city, stating, “The views are lovely, and my fondness for this place just keeps growing.”
Post-race, many were curious about her Chinese name, speculating if she was a fan of Hua Mulan. Mulan admitted, “When I first heard the story of Hua Mulan taking her father’s place in the army, I decided to adopt her name.”
Looking to the future, Mulan is eager to explore more cities in China on her bike. “Cycling brings me a sense of peace and relaxation; it’s a fantastic experience,” she concluded.
