Cycling 700km, fan faces disappointment with China’s team
On March 25, fan Niu Gang arrived at Hangzhou Stadium after cycling 700km from Linyi to support China in their match against Australia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
A 21-day journey on a tricycle
Niu Gang cycled from Linyi to Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium to cheer for China
According to Qingdao News, Niu Gang took 21 days to complete the nearly 700km journey. He used a self-modified tricycle with a storage box at the back. The 40-year-old man, a devoted supporter of Shandong Taishan FC and the Chinese national team, is married and has four children.
“At the end of February, I asked my wife for permission to be away for about a month,” Niu Gang said. “Her first reaction was to call me crazy.”
On March 25, Niu Gang cycled from Linyi to Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium to cheer for China in their eighth match of Group C in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—Asia region.
Although he had to persuade his wife, Niu Gang was determined to go regardless of her approval. “I told her this was the most important match for our national team,” he explained. “I wanted to make a unique journey to support the team. One more supporter means more strength.”
The Shandong native also viewed the tricycle journey as a way to train his health and willpower while enjoying the beautiful mountains and rivers. Additionally, he believed that cycling allowed him to meet and connect with fellow football fans across the country.
Eventually, his wife agreed. Niu Gang asked his younger brother to manage their store, then prepared essential supplies, bike maintenance tools, and cooking equipment before starting his human-powered journey on March 2. He stayed overnight at hotels and occasionally ate at restaurants.
“I covered about 35 km per day, reaching Hangzhou Stadium on the 21st day,” the 40-year-old fan said. “Along the way, I received a lot of support and encouragement. When faced with steep inclines, passersby willingly stopped what they were doing to help.”
Record-breaking attendance, bitter defeat despite cycling 700km to witness the loss
Nguu Cuong supporters present at Hangzhou Stadium. Photo: Hangzhou Daily.
Niu Gang was among 70,588 spectators at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, setting a record for the largest football match attendance in China. The previous record was 65,769 spectators at a Jiangsu Sainty vs. Guangzhou Evergrande match at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center on October 20, 2012.
However, China failed to meet fans’ expectations, losing 0-2 to Australia. This marked their third consecutive defeat in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Many Chinese fans left the stadium before the match ended. Chaozhou TV even aired a viral interview with a fan who was asked whether the national team should refund ticket prices. He replied, “No need. Just refund half.”
Tickets for the match ranged from 150 to 500 yuan (approximately $21 to $70).
Despite the disappointment, Niu Gang remains committed to supporting the national team. “I can’t live without football,” he said. “The match in Hangzhou will always be memorable. I hope more young people develop a love for football.”
Slim qualification hopes remain
Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center
China is now out of contention for direct qualification to the World Cup, having only six points—seven points behind second-placed Australia—with two matches remaining. Their goal is to secure fourth place over Indonesia, which has nine points, to advance to the fourth qualifying round.
In the last two matches, China will face Indonesia on June 5 before hosting Bahrain on June 10.
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