LANGKAWI: For national rider Tsen Ren Bao, his debut in the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), is set to be an extra special occasion.
The 21-year-old Ren Bao is not only set to tackle his first prestigious Tour race starting on Sunday until Oct 6 from Langkawi to Bintulu but it will be also a proud beginning as he aims to follow in his father Tsen Seong Hoong’s footsteps.
Seong Hoong has competed in an amazing eight times in the LTdL series.
Ren Bao remembers all the excitement of watching his father getting ready and competing in these races.
“I’ll be on the start line representing Malaysia at the 28th edition of the LTdL, a race I’ve dreamed of since I first pedaled on two wheels,” said Ren Bao.
“This event holds a special place in my heart, woven into the fabric of my family’s history,” he said.
As part of the national team at LTdL, Ren Bao will be riding alongside teammates Yusri Shaari, Abdul Azim Aliyas, Afiq Huznie Othman, Elmi Jumari, and Muhsin Al Redha Misbah.
Although he is filled with eagerness and excitement, Ren Bao knows the weight that comes with bearing the Jalur Gemilang on his race bib.
“Racing on home soil at such a prestigious event is an honour, yet it carries a weight of responsibility and I wholeheartedly embrace it,” said Ren Bao.
“As I wear my national jersey, I am reminded of the dedication it takes to represent my country.
“I will give it my all for both my country and my team,” he said.
Ren Bao would know all about the sacrifices and dedication it takes to represent Malaysia as his father won the gold medal for the country during the 1995 Thailand SEA Games and went on to claim the silver medal at the following edition in Jakarta, Indonesia.
At the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuching, Sarawak, Ren Bao came in third to take the bronze medal for the Federal Territories in the boy’s cycling road race.
– The Star
