Huang Chong’s first reaction upon seeing the specific amount for the Basic Optimization Value reward was, naturally, a surge of joy.

But he quickly realized that now that he’d become a Mid-level Professional Cyclist, the Optimization Value had depreciated.

’Ride 50 km at an average speed of no less than 25 km/h?’

Huang Chong was a bit dumbfounded when he saw the system’s requirement.

He felt like the system was just messing with him.

This was because on the Doba-Guide stage, after the first 20 km of flat road, the route was a solid 54 km of climbing all the way to the 74 km mark: the Laji Mountain Pass, at an altitude of 3,828 meters.

And this incredibly long climb was officially designated as an HC Level climb, the highest difficulty rating.

The most terrifying part was that from an altitude of 2,800 meters, the final 20.5 km to the summit had an average gradient of a staggering 4.9%, with no chance to rest midway.

But after the summit, the roughly 50 km stretch to the finish line was all downhill.

So, the elevation profile for the second stage looked like a perfect triangle.

The problem was, when the system assigned the mission and automatically started it, Huang Chong had just finished the preceding 20 km of Daping Road and was about to start the climb.

Now, the system was demanding an average speed of 25 km/h, which was essentially forcing him to ride the next 50 km at race intensity.

’Damn it. As my skill level improves, these system missions just get harder and harder.

For a measly two-point increase in FTP Power, I have to complete a hellish mission like this. That’s brutal!’

Huang Chong couldn’t help but complain to himself, but he really had no choice. He could only grit his teeth and persevere to complete the mission.

One hundred points of Basic Optimization Value might be insignificant to him now.

But the High Altitude Low Oxygen Adaptation Enhancer was something he absolutely had to get.

After all, the effects of the auxiliary supplements rewarded by the system were permanent.

Once consumed, he would never have to worry about altitude sickness again.

He would be able to engage in high-intensity activities just like a local.

Even if he had just flown to Qinghai from a low-altitude region, he would be able to adapt to the high-plateau environment and climate instantly.

In the context of the Tour of Qinghai Lake, this was a game-breaking boost.

’I’d like to see just how hard it is to climb 50 km at high altitude while maintaining an average speed of 25 km/h.’

Having made his decision, Huang Chong stopped his leisurely Zone 2 aerobic ride. Instead, he ramped up his power, pushing into his Zone 4 threshold, and began his advance toward Laji Mountain Pass.

Chen Junyi and a staff member from the local sports bureau were in two separate support vehicles, one in front and one behind, sandwiching Huang Chong between them.

This was to ensure the cyclist’s absolute safety while training on the open road.

With five days still to go before the race, the roads were not closed to traffic.

The front car was responsible for clearing the path and checking road conditions, while the rear car’s purpose was to monitor Huang Chong’s physical condition in real time.

They even had a local paramedic in one of the cars: Zhao Caixia.

Soon, Chen Junyi, who was at the wheel, noticed that Huang Chong, not far ahead, was clearly accelerating. He’d even pushed his speed up to 35 km/h on the long, gentle climb. She quickly got on the radio and asked:

"Why the sudden acceleration, Huang Chong?

Weren’t you supposed to get familiar with the route and do a Zone 2 aerobic ride today?

You’ve been at high altitude for less than 24 hours. Don’t get overeager.

Besides, once this section’s climb starts, the altitude is just going to keep increasing all the way to Laji Mountain Pass.

Most people start experiencing altitude sickness during strenuous exercise once they go above 2,700 meters.

You need to take it easy!"

Huang Chong heard Chen Junyi’s warning and knew she was right.

But failing the system mission was not an option.

The climb was just beginning. For the next 30 km, the gradient wouldn’t be too steep, and the altitude wouldn’t exceed 2,700 meters. It was a low-difficulty, gentle incline of 2-3%.

If he didn’t get his average speed as high as possible on this early stretch, the difficulty would multiply later on. Once he passed 2,700 meters, or even 3,000 meters, and the gradient steepened to around 5%, maintaining a 25 km/h average would become exponentially harder.

He replied:

"It’s fine. I know what I’m doing.

The altitude isn’t high enough to cause altitude sickness yet, and I feel great.

I want to use my Zone 4 threshold to test my cardiopulmonary adaptation to the high altitude.

Could you keep an eye on the altitude for me? Give me a heads-up once we reach 2,700 meters.

I’m worried I’ll get too focused on my riding and forget to check the data on my computer!"

Hearing this, Chen Junyi didn’t have much to say.

Her data was based solely on analyses of ordinary people.

As an endurance athlete, Huang Chong’s physical strength and cardiopulmonary function were bound to be far superior to that of an average person.

So, strictly speaking, the data she had on hand didn’t really apply to him.

However, she had no problem helping him watch the altitude data as he’d asked. She replied immediately:

"Alright. I’ll check the altitude change every 30 seconds.

If you start to feel any adverse effects, like dizziness or tightness in your chest, remember to drop your power output immediately, or just stop riding altogether.

Your health must be the top priority in any training.

We still have plenty of time to acclimate to the high altitude; there’s no need to rush it!"

Huang Chong could hear the concern in Chen Junyi’s voice and replied earnestly,

"Okay. I’ll stay within my limits!"

Once the conversation was over, he stopped dividing his attention and focused completely on the road ahead.

Riding at his Zone 4 threshold, his speed immediately shot up to nearly 40 km/h.

Then, as the kilometers passed and the altitude and gradient steadily increased, he used his shifters to move the chain across the cassette, gradually reducing his speed.