BINTULU: After suffering abrasion wounds and a bruised hip during a pile-up in the second stage, Nur Aiman Rosli proved he is back to his best after impressing in the seventh stage of Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) today.
The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider was one of three Malaysians – together with teammate Nur Aiman Zariff and national team rider Yusri Shaari – in the breakaway during the seventh stage from Miri to Bintulu (199.3km) today.
Aiman Rosli did well to win two intermediate sprints at Suai and Nyalau and also finished as the highest placed Malaysian finisher in the stage after crossing the line 22nd.
Aiman Zariff, who was also in attack mode, scored the Most Combative Rider award for the stage.
“Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to be able to finish this stage, it was quite challenging as it was almost 200km long,” said Aiman Rosli.
“It was our plan to be in the breakaway and fight for the intermediate sprints and the Most Combative Rider award.
“It rained at the start but overall we had a good day, the route was quite nice.
“I am looking forward to the final stage tomorrow and want to enjoy the race and try to avoid any injuries.”
Aiman Rosli had earlier this week admitted that he struggled with the injuries he picked up during the second stage crash and was unable to race as well as he would have liked during the third stage climb at Cameron Highlands.
The 25-year-old crossed the line 68th in Cameron Highlands, more than 10 minutes down on stage winner Max Poole (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) which also hampered his hopes in the Asian riders classification. Aiman had worn the white jersey during the second and third stages.
The eighth and final stage tomorrow will be a 147.5km loop of Bintulu with intermediate sprints at Kem Batu 18 and Lasar Kenyalang (twice).
– NST
