To The Fore 2015

Jiu Ming, portrayed by Eddie Peng, and Qiu Tian, played by Shawn Dou, find themselves at the heart of a gripping tale as they join a competitive Taiwan Category III cycling team known as Radiant. The team participates in both national and international road racing events, striving for excellence and recognition in the cycling world. However, their dreams face a harsh reality when the team disbands due to a lack of financial support. This pivotal moment pushes Jiu Ming and Qiu Tian onto separate paths in their quest to become premier cyclists.

As the story unfolds, Jiu Ming quickly rises to prominence, establishing himself as a formidable Ace and finding himself in a fierce rivalry with his former teammate, Ji-Won, portrayed by Choi Si-Won. Meanwhile, Qiu Tian struggles to keep pace and eventually finds himself spiraling down a dark path, resorting to performance enhancers in desperation to reclaim his standing in the sport.

Amidst these challenges, Jiu Ming embarks on a romantic relationship with Huang Shi Yao, a fellow track cyclist. Their love story, however, is complicated by the pressures of their careers. Qiu Tian’s choices lead him to a critical turning point when he collapses after an overdose on EPO, culminating in a trip to the hospital, as he unravels away from the competitive world.

The tension escalates as Jiu Ming’s relationship with Shi Yao suffers due to their demanding schedules. An affair Jiu Ming has with a model he meets during a photoshoot drives a wedge between them, leading to heartbreak. In a pivotal race, Jiu Ming suffers betrayal when a teammate sabotages him, orchestrated by Ji-Won’s manager to ensure Ji-Won’s victory. This betrayal results in Jiu Ming being suspended after confronting his teammate.

In a dramatic twist, Ji-Won reveals he was unaware of the sabotage, terminating his manager and freeing himself from the scandal. This leaves Jiu Ming with time to reflect and value his relationship with Shi Yao, which he desperately tries to rekindle. However, tragedy strikes during one of Shi Yao’s races; after a horrific accident, she sustains severe injuries, which doctors warn could end her cycling career. In a deeply sacrificial act, Jiu Ming offers to donate his Achilles tendon for her recovery, putting his own future at risk unbeknownst to her.

As Shi Yao learns of Jiu Ming’s selfless act, she begins to recover and finds renewed strength. As the narrative progresses, Ji-Won, eager to help revive Team Radiant, seeks to bring both Jiu Ming and Qiu Tian back into the fold. Ji-Won has kept track of Qiu Tian, who is now embroiled in gambling debts in Japan. Driven by loyalty and compassion, Jiu Ming ventures to Japan, aiming to rescue Qiu Tian from his downward spiral.

In Japan, tensions culminate in a confrontation with the mob boss, revealing that Jiu Ming had already intervened. To secure Qiu Tian’s freedom, they must race together in a challenging madison event. Their partnership reignites hope as they work together to achieve victory. Despite a fierce competition, an unexpected crash threatens their chances. However, Qiu Tian rises to the occasion, utilizing his newfound determination to win the race and reclaim his life.

Returning together, Jiu Ming and Qiu Tian find Shi Yao now thriving in competitive rowing. They rejoin Team Radiant, marking a fresh start. As the final race of the season unfolds in Abu Dhabi, they face treacherous weather conditions that thin the competition. Jiu Ming executes a strategic plan, leading the final charge. In a moment of great collaboration and support, he paves the way for Qiu Tian to fulfill his long-held dream and take the victory.

The story concludes with both Jiu Ming and Ji-Won advancing to Tier 1 teams, while Qiu Tian bravely confronts his own challenges, preparing for high-altitude training in the Alps. This journey showcases not just the intense world of cycling but also the power of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity.