Hsiao wins women's cycling omnium gold in Asian Games (update)

Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) Taiwanese cyclist Hsiao Mei-yu grabbed the gold medal at the women's cycling omnium competition of the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea Thursday, bringing Taiwan its fifth gold medal at this year's games.

Hsiao scored 227, beating silver medalist Luo Xiaoling of China by 14 points. South Korea's Na Ah-reum took the bronze with a score of 204.

The two-day competition consisted of six events -- a 10 kilometer scratch race, a 3 km individual pursuit, an elimination race, a 500 meter time trial, a flying lap 250 m time trial and a 25 km points race.

Hsiao finished first in the elimination race, 500 m time trial and 250 m time trial.

This is Hsiao's third time competing in the Asian Games and the second time she has won a gold medal in them. Her last gold was in the women's road race event at the 2010 Asian Games.

Premier Jiang Yi-huah sent a message to congratulate her on her victory.

"I have to be very honest and say that I cycle for the money to earn a living," the 29-year-old once said. Her father died of lung cancer when she was seven, and she and her younger brother grew up in a foster family and lived off of low-income subsidies.

"In order to survive, I have to cycle."

(By Lee Chin-wei and Christie Chen)ENDITEM/WH