‘There’s no place on the UM campus where I haven’t performed,’ proudly says Chan Iat Tin, Macao’s top artistic cyclist. A 2024 graduate of the University of Macau (UM) with a degree in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Chan’s university journey was deeply intertwined with his passion for artistic cycling. During his time at UM, Chan’s residential college provided him with numerous opportunities to showcase his artistic cycling skills, solidifying his determination to chase his dreams. At the same time, his faculty equipped him with invaluable knowledge, opening doors to new opportunities. Beyond academics, the unwavering support and encouragement from his professors and peers was a powerful source of motivation, especially as he competed in international events. Today, Chan continues to follow his passion for artistic cycling. This UM alumnus constantly pushes his limits and strives to reach new milestones on the global stage.
The natural desire to perform
Beneath the summer sun’s golden blaze, Chan, dressed in his residential college uniform, springs into the air. As he mounts the bike, one foot lands firmly on the saddle, while the other balances on the handlebars as he executes the saddle-handlebar stand, a classic artistic cycling move. Gliding effortlessly in front of the Wall of Great Wisdom on campus, he immediately catches the attention of a passing study tour group. Some begin recording videos on their phones, captivated by his performance. Their excitement energises Chan, inspiring him to perform a series of daring moves that draw even louder cheers and applause.
Like figure skaters, ballet dancers, and gymnasts, artistic cyclists typically start honing their craft at a young age. Chan was introduced to the sport at the age of eight during a summer class. By thirteen, he was undergoing advanced training, focusing on balance, flexibility, technical skills, and pair artistic cycling. Years of dedication and hard work paid off, leading to remarkable achievements as a Macao representative on the international stage. In 2023, Chan and his partner placed sixth in the men’s elite pair event at the UCI Cycling World Championships held in Scotland. His success continued at the 2024 Asian Cycling Championships, where he earned bronze medals in both the men’s single and pair events. Most recently, in April, he claimed the men’s elite single artistic cycling title at the Macau Indoor Cycling League.
These accomplishments highlight Chan’s artistic cycling skills. However, for Chan, this sport is not just about winning medals. His experiences have deepened his appreciation for the sport’s unique charm. ‘Artistic cycling is essentially a sport made for the spotlight,’ Chan explains. ‘Choreographing difficult routines for indoor competitions requires not only fluidity and precision but also the courage to perform in front of an audience. If you don’t have a natural desire to perform, it’s hard to fall in love with this sport.’ Chan credits his four years at UM as instrumental in his growth. ‘My professors and peers played a vital role in helping me develop my skills and gain valuable performance experience,’ he says. ‘They also helped raise awareness about artistic cycling, showing people in Macao that there are athletes dedicated to this special sport.’
The first stage at UM: Chan’s debut at residential college
Chan began his UM studies in 2021. Soon after arriving, he discovered that the university offered many opportunities for students to perform. A student talent show organised by his residential college, Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC), became the launch pad for his artistic cycling performances at UM. Inspired by the slogan on the event poster—‘Be brave to showcase yourself’—he decided to participate. Chan thought to himself: ‘Artistic cycling is still a niche sport in Macao. I want to be its spokesperson and show students from all over the world how unique and charming this sport is!’
As the talent show approached, Chan began to feel nervous. The stage at the Student Activity Centre, where the event would take place, was much smaller than a standard competition arena. With limited space to manoeuvre, he realised he would have to slow down to avoid going offstage, carefully navigate around sound equipment, and even leave out some of his usual moves. To adapt to this setting, Chan refined his strategy. He focused on perfecting his ‘straight line’ skill, replacing the traditional half-turn start with a straight-line momentum build-up. This adjustment allowed him to transition smoothly between movements within the narrow space.
On the night of the talent show, Chan stepped into the spotlight and delivered an impressive performance. The audience was mesmerised, bursting into applause as he displayed his skills. When the judges announced his victory, the room erupted in cheers. For Chan, this was not just a win; it was a validation of his hard work and an encouragement to keep promoting this niche sport.
Full support from the college master
Chan’s victory at the student talent show reaffirmed his belief that performance is an essential part of artistic cycling. At UM, the vibrant residential college culture provided him with numerous opportunities to showcase his talent. Among his supporters was Janny Leung, college master of CKYC, who is known for her close ties with students and her commitment to nurturing diverse talents. When Prof Leung learned about Chan’s passion, she invited him to perform at the college exchange event ‘The Development of City and Culture’.
This large-scale event brought together nearly 100 faculty members and students from Beihang University, East China Normal University, and Xi’an Jiaotong University. To ensure Chan could perform at his best, Prof Leung made an extraordinary gesture: she cleared the college dining hall—normally packed with hundreds of seats—and transformed it into a dedicated performance stage. ‘I never imagined our college master would go to such lengths to support me!’ Chan recalls. Motivated by this act, he trained even harder, determined to deliver a flawless performance and showcase the power and beauty of artistic cycling to the audience.
Over time, Chan’s performances became a hallmark of UM’s cultural life. From college activities to inter-university events, his artistry was both celebrated and admired. In June, during the International University Basketball Invitational Tournament, Chan performed for students from around the world. Among his peers, he earned the title of UM’s ‘King of Artistic Cycling’. Reflecting on his journey, he says, ‘There’s no place on the UM campus where I haven’t performed.’ Thanks to the unwavering support of his college and the many performance platforms provided by the university, Chan has been able to share his passion for artistic cycling across the campus.
Setting a Macao record at the UCI Cycling World Championships
In 2023, during his third year at UM, Chan received exciting news: the UCI Cycling World Championships, which had been suspended due to the pandemic, were finally resuming. Without hesitation, he began preparing for the competition. That summer, Chan’s coach from the Macao team arranged for him to train in Germany for 40 days. There, Chan practised alongside world champions, experienced an advanced training system, and immersed himself in Germany’s rich cycling culture. The experience broadened his horizons and sharpened his skills, while constant encouragement from professors and friends in Macao provided warmth and motivation far from home.
After this rigorous training, Chan travelled directly to Scotland for the championships. Representing the Macao team were just two athletes: Chan and his young partner, Tang Song Hei. As team leader, Chan managed everything, from flights and accommodations to the itinerary and competition schedule. Despite the added pressure, he stayed calm and focused, guiding Tang with steady leadership. Their efforts paid off: the pair secured sixth place with a score of 72.63, setting a new record for Macao.
Academics and sports: Growing stronger together
Chan’s outstanding performance at the international competition earned widespread praise from UM faculty and students. Among the many congratulations, Tang Heng, assistant professor in the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), wrote a special letter to share Chan’s achievement with the FBA community. Prof Tang has been an important mentor in Chan’s academic journey, providing guidance and support throughout his studies. In courses that combine technical and business thinking, such as those on R programming, Prof Tang emphasises understanding programming logic and real-world applications over rote memorisation. This teaching approach has proven beneficial to Chan, equipping him with skills that complement his pursuits in artistic cycling.
For Chan, academics and sports have never been in conflict. Instead, they complement each other. His business studies have sharpened his analytical and strategic thinking, while artistic cycling has instilled perseverance and honed his performance skills. Looking ahead, Chan views his education as a launch pad for opportunities beyond athletics. His time at UM not only prepares him for a career in business but also opens doors to cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
This October, Chan will embark on a new chapter as he begins a Master of Science in International Information Systems at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. To prepare, he has been diligently learning German, practising the language with friends he met during the World Championships. At the same time, Chan plans to continue refining his artistic cycling skills in Germany, a country renowned for its rich tradition in the sport.
A passion that deserves to be seen
From his first nervous performance at the residential college to earning the title of ‘King of Artistic Cycling’, Chan’s four years at UM have been a transformative journey. Through numerous performances and competitions, he has not only honed his artistic cycling skills but also developed the confidence and poise to command any stage and engage every audience. This UM alumnus exemplifies the discipline and dedication of a top athlete, always prepared to compete at his best. At the heart of it all is his unwavering passion for artistic cycling. Reflecting on his journey, Chan says, ‘The excitement and joy in the audience’s eyes made me realise that this niche sport truly deserves to be seen.’