KUALA LUMPUR: Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan’s fine performances at the recently concluded Tour of Route Salvation in Turkiye has cemented his status as Malaysia’s new top road sprinter.
Abdul Rahman, better known by his nickname Achik, claimed his second win on the European Tour this year after emerging victorious in the third stage of the UCI 2.2 Tour on Friday (Aug 29).
Abdul Rahman had won his maiden race in Europe at the Grand Prix of Antalya in February.
The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) team rider has long been tipped to fill the shoes of TSG legend Harrif Saleh – a three time Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) stage winner – one day.
TSG sporting director Wan Nazri Wan Ahmad is confident Abdul Rahman has what it takes to finish on the podium in this year’s LTdL (Sept 28-Oct 5).
“I think his performances at Tour of Route Salvation were his best this year,” said Nazri yesterday (Aug 31).
“He is in peak form at the moment and the hope is that he can remain consistent as LTdL is just under a month away.
“Based on his current form, I believe he has a chance of finishing on the podium in LTdL.”
A product of the TSG Academy, Abdul Rahman, 26, is just coming into his prime years as sprinters typically peak in their late-20s to early 30s.
Terengganu has a history of producing top sprinters both on the road and track. Azizulhasni Awang (track), Anuar Manan and Harrif are prime examples.
Abdul Rahman is expected to be fielded alongside Harrif in LTdL and the duo have the credentials to form a formidable partnership.
At 37, it is possible this could be Harrif’s last LTdL campaign with TSG.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
