Stray Dog Wins Heart of Cyclist After Completing Race Across China

CHINA — A stray dog, with no training, completed a 1,770km bike race across China. But instead of pedaling, the poor pooch ran alongside the spinning wheels of cyclists.

It all started when one of the cyclists, Zhang Heng, 22, threw the dog a drumstick. The dog, nicknamed Xiao Sa, then followed the group — for 20 days. Zhang and his team climbed 10 mountains and covered about 1,770km. Xiao Sa followed suit. Zhang told China Daily he put her on the back of the bike when going downhill, as speeds could reach 43 miles per hour.

“Impossible for the dog to catch us,” he said.

After the race, Zhang said she was an encouragement to him and he felt compelled to give her a home.

“She has been a stray on the road for a long time,” he said “She needs a home.”