The 'original non-professional star' and 'leading ghost' Jang Bo-kyu (1st generation, B1, Daejeon) has returned to Gwangmyeong Speedome after four years. His name has appeared on the candidate (reserve) player list for the 11th Gwangmyeong round (March 13-15). Jang Bo-kyu submitted a sudden absence notice after his last match on June 13, 2021, disappearing from Gwangmyeong Speedome. Many had been waiting for his return, missing his refreshing leadership, but he did not come back even three years later in 2024.

Rumors about the reason for his delayed return suggested a battle with cancer, and soon the rumors were confirmed as true. In November 2021, Jang Bo-kyu, who was feeling unwell, visited the hospital and received the shocking diagnosis of leukemia. Jang said he was “dazed as if he were dreaming. He strongly denied that it could be true.” As the news of Jang Bo-kyu's leukemia, who boasted of his ironclad physical strength by competing in triathlons, became known, many fans that missed his cheerful leadership were shocked.

In the early stages after receiving his leukemia diagnosis, Jang Bo-kyu was primarily concerned about the treatments he faced. For someone as determined as him, overcoming leukemia was not easy, and each step of the process battling the disease was a continuous pain oscillating between life and death. He overcame a tough period after receiving a bone marrow transplant from his older brother. The success of the treatment depended on whether the transplanted marrow adapted well to his body, and in 2023, he finally received the good news that it was 100% adapted.

As his health improved, what he wanted most was to get back on the bike and return to the stage of Gwangmyeong Speedome. However, his family opposed this vehemently, and his strength had significantly decreased compared to before, so his desires outweighed his abilities. This was understandable, given that his weight, which was around 95 kg before being hospitalized, had dropped to 63 kg—over 30 kg loss—by the time of his discharge.

However, his determination to return could not be broken. By mid-2023, he had recovered his weight to about 80 kg and began serious training. With the help of former cyclist Park Min-soo, he gradually increased his training volume and put his full strength into the pedals. Yet, during training in 2023 and 2024, he suffered a fall injury that left his ribs broken alternately, further delaying his return.

Jang Bo-kyu steadily improved his physical condition to prepare for his return, and on the 13th, he entered Gwangmyeong Speedome as a candidate (reserve) player, allowing him to rise again over the velodrome he had longed for. He felt a familiarity while racing on the track during designated training, almost forgetting how long it had been since he last competed, as it had been nearly 30 years since he began competitive cycling as part of the 1st generation at Yongin University.

Jang Bo-kyu stated, “I am happy just to be with the athletes as a candidate player in Gwangmyeong. I want to meet customers as soon as possible through my return match.” He also expressed his gratitude, saying, “I truly appreciate the many who have not forgotten me and have waited. Even if I finish last, I will lead every race to show my refreshing signature style of leadership.”

Seo Kyung-seok, editor of the leading cycling prediction site, remarked, “Jang Bo-kyu entered competitive cycling as part of the 1st generation and has achieved a total of 436 wins, including 322 victories solely through leading performance.” He added, “Every moment Jang Bo-kyu progresses is a moment rewriting the new history of cycling. I look forward to the veteran spirit of the original leading champion.”

Meanwhile, Jang Bo-kyu was a candidate player during the 11th round (March 14-16) and could not participate in the actual match, but he is expected to compete at the elite level as early as the 12th round (March 21-23).

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