Malaysian teams competing in Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi have had a challenging start to the UCI ProSeries tour this year but that has not dampened their spirits.
Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) lost their legendary Malaysian sprinter Harrif Saleh after he finished out of the time limit (OTL) during the fourth stage from Kuala Kubu Bharu to Bentong.
The fourth stage was tough as many riders were still fatigued from the gruelling queen stage climb up to Cameron Highlands the day before. Close to 20 riders suffered OTLs.
TSG directeur sportif Saiful Anuar Aziz said they are still determined to finish on the podium in the remaining stages.
“Harrif was the only sprinter in our squad and while it is a huge loss for us, we are still optimistic about fighting for the podium,” said Saiful.
“We will go for the breakaways, it is tough but not impossible for them to last all the way (to the finish).
“We have riders such as Nur Aiman Zariff, Nur Aiman Rosli and Andreas Miltiadis who are capable of doing so.”
Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC) have also lost sprinter Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil and Fahmi Khairul, who also finished OTL in stage four.
MPC team principal Sayuti Zahit says they will now bank on Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah – Izzat’s lead-out man – to fight for the podium.
“Syazrin can also sprint but he will have to race smart and try to follow the wheel of riders from other teams during the bunch sprint,” said Sayuti.
The Malaysia national team has also lost two riders – Elmi Jumari, who suffered broken fingers and collarbone after crashing in stage two as well as Abdul Azim Aliyas who was also OTL in stage four.
