KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a number of talented sprinters capable of sneaking onto the podium at Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) this year but they must first survive a gruelling third stage (Sept 30).
That is the view of Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC) team principal Sayuti Zahit who had also coached the national team during the last two editions of the Sea Games.
Sayuti said the third stage from Gerik to Pasir Puteh which covers 198.2 kilometres – the second longest of the tour this year – and features three categorised climbs in Gerik, Sri Banding and Puncak Titiwangsa could cause a major split in the peloton.
“I believe Malaysian sprinters such as Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan and Harrif Saleh from Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), Elmi Jumari from the national team as well as our own MPC riders Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil and Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah are all in good form for LTdL,” said Sayuti recently.
“They will, however, have to survive a tough third stage. Two years ago, there was a major split in the peloton when LTdL raced along a similar route in Gerik.
“A group of 60 riders went ahead and they held on until the finish.
“You have to remember that many of these top sprinters from WorldTeams are also decent climbers. They are not afraid to push the pace right from the start.
“There is a risk that our Malaysian sprinters could get caught out and finish over the time limit (OTL) as we saw happen last year.
“For MPC, we are aware of the risks and have been training in Gerik to prepare for the race this year.”
A number of Malaysian sprinters finished OTL during the fourth stage of LTdL from Kuala Kubu Bharu-Bentong last year and were thus unable to continue in the tour. Harrif, Izzat and Zulhelmi Zainal were among the casualties.
Sayuti said he has been impressed with Abdul Rahman’s form this season.
Better known by his nickname Achik, the 26-year-old won at the Grand Prix of Antalya (UCI 1.2) in February and also won a stage at the Tour of Route Salvation (UCI 2.2) last month. Both races were held in Turkiye.
“Achik has been in very good form this year and has won twice in Turkiye,” said Sayuti.
“His confidence levels are high and he has the momentum.
“I believe he has the potential to be the best sprinter from Asia during LTdL.”
With Genting Highlands once again absent from the tour this year, the fifth stage (Oct 2) from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill is expected to be the queen stage for this season.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
