KUALA LUMPUR: The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) have confirmed that Mohd Harrif Saleh, also known as Mamat, is in their team for the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race starting next week.
TSG chief operating officer Nasiruddin Wan Idrus said the 35-year-old Harrif is set to make LTdL history for the most appearances when he features for the 15th time this year.
“For me, he’s still TSG’s best sprinter.
“Anyway, we have yet to find a backup rider who is on par with him.
“He is still performing at a top level and a valuable asset because of his experience,” he said.
Harrif, who has clinched three stage wins in the LTdL, made his 14th appearance in last year’s edition, eclipsing the previous record of 13 appearances set by Iran’s Ghader Mizbani.
Two other former national riders – Annuar Manan and Loh Sea Keong – have 12 each.
Nasiruddin said that apart from Harrif, TSG’s line-up would also feature Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki, Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff, Andreas Miltiadis and Anatolli Budiak, while Mohd Nur Aiman Rosli will be making his debut with the team.“Based on his achievement in several UCI championships, we are expecting Aiman to spring a surprise like he did during the Tour of Thailand (winning Stage 2),” he said.
He said the team management had set the riders a target of getting at least one stage win and for one rider to secure a spot in the top 10 overall standings.
– Bernama/The Star
