Dim
Please wait a moment!
The page is loading!
The page is loading!
The East Seoul Team, widely regarded as South Korea's leading K-Cycle team and often compared to an "elite academy" within the sport, is currently experiencing a notable decline in performance from its top riders.
Prominent cyclists, including Jun Won-kyu (SS grade), Shin Eun-seob (S1), and Jung Hae-min (S1), have recently encountered difficulties in sustaining their customary level of performance. Jun, who ended Im Chae-bin's 75-race winning streak last March and secured third place in three major events, has shown inconsistency this season. His recent third and fifth-place finishes, along with a surprising defeat to lower-ranked rider Kim Woo-gyeom, have led to speculation about his future in the elite SS grade, particularly in light of the upcoming June grading review.
Teammates Jung Hae-min and Jeong Ha-neul, known for their aggressive racing style, along with veteran Shin Eun-seob and Kim Hee-jun, have also experienced a dip in their usually stellar performances. The situation reached a critical point in February at the SpeedOn Cup, where none of East Seoul's elite riders managed to reach the finals—a shocking result given their historical dominance.
However, there is a positive outlook, with the potential for growth and development of younger athletes in lower grades. At the SpeedOn Cup, rookies from the 29th intake showcased their potential, with Jeong Yun-hyeok securing an early promotion by winning the final. Likewise, Won Jun-o, a rising star from the 28th intake, has consistently secured podium finishes, maintaining a remarkable 100% top three winning percentage this season and is expected to return to the S grade by year-end.
In response to these challenges, East Seoul Team has initiated intensive overseas training in Japan from 11 March to 11 April. The team has been divided into two groups, with one training in Kumamoto (Jeong Ha-neul, Won Jun-o) and the other in Shizuoka (Jun Won-kyu, Im Jae-yeon).
Park Chang-hyun, publisher of racing publication, emphasised the importance of East Seoul team's recovery: "The success and competitiveness of East Seoul team are crucial for the excitement and vitality of K-Cycle racing. The positive results from younger members are encouraging, but a revival of the experienced elite riders is essential if the team is to reclaim its historic reputation as K-Cycle powerhouse.“
