JINAN, East China, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Yuzhuo of Liaoning grabbed the gold medal in road cycling women's individual time trial Saturday at 11th National Games, after beating her arch-rivals including Asian champion Li Meifang in the event.

Zhang Yuzhuo from Liaoning reacts during the awarding ceremony for women's individual time trial of road cycling at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 24, 2009. Zhang claimed the title of the event with 28 minutes and 40.526 seconds. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Photo Gallery>>>

    Zhang Yuzhuo, 23, clocked 28 minutes 40.526 seconds in the 20-kilometer race for the title. Asian champion Li finished a far-behind seventh in 29 minutes 31.876 seconds.

    The 31-year-old Li, top favourite in the event, won the National Games twice and garnered two gold medals at Asian Games back in 2002 and 2006. She was upset over the lose, refusing to talk after the race.

    Zhang, however, was more than happy with her winning.

    "I was always the second before, and this is the first time that I beat Li," said Zhang with joy. "My dream is to outperform Li someday and it has come true. But frankly speaking it is not the normal level for Li to finish only seventh."

    Zhang painted her fingernails yellow, the color of gold medal. "I didn't paint them yellow deliberately," she laughed. "it is only because the color is auspicious."

    In men's individual time trial Saturday, former Discovery pro Li Fuyu dominated the 40-kilometer race and bagged his second gold medal at National Games with a time of 53 minutes 45.928 seconds, more than one minute faster than silver medalist Luo Jianshi of Tianjin. Ji Xitao of the PLA team finished third.

    Li, 31, now in the first China registered professional cycling team, Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team, joined the National Games representing Shandong Team.

    "I am happy to win in my hometown Shandong," said Li. "Although it is my second gold at National Games, I am much happier because it proves that I have improved a lot."

    Li said he would try to ride for bigger professional teams in the future. "I believe that professional teams are significant for the development of China's cycling sports," added Li.

Zhang Yuzhuo from Liaoning competes during women's individual time trial of road cycling at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 24, 2009. Zhang claimed the title of the event with 28 minutes and 40.526 seconds. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Photo Gallery>>>