LANGKAWI — Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) sent an early warning that they mean business in this year’s Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) by seizing the white jersey for Best Asian Rider through Nur Aiman Rosli in today’s first stage.
The first stage of the race in Langkawi covered a 96.5km route for the 132 riders who started in Kuah.
Aiman, competing in the LTdL for only the second time, made a bold move by attempting a breakaway from the main peloton right at the start.
However, it was no easy task as he was chased by several riders, including Xavier Canellas (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Thomas Pesenti (JCL Ukyo), Afiq Huznie Othman (Malaysia), and Junrey Navarra (Philippines), forming a lead group.
Despite the pressure, Aiman remained resolute, performing his role brilliantly by keeping pace with Canellas while collecting points in the two sprint zones at Harbour Park and Bayas, as well as in the climbing zone at Look Out Point.
His hard work paid off, and he was pleased to have secured the white jersey as early as the first stage of the LTdL.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to wear the white jersey today. My teammates and I worked together to collect points, as well as the King of the Mountains title, and overall, I am very satisfied.
“Honestly, I’ve only used about 70% of my energy because I want to maintain consistent performance in the upcoming stages, especially in Cameron Highlands.
“It was my plan to attempt a breakaway, and I want to be the best Asian rider. This is something very important for both myself and the team.
“I only intended to break away once because I knew that if I tried multiple times, it wouldn’t work. I also had to consider conserving my energy as there are still many stages left in the race,” said Aiman after the race.
For this Johor-born rider, there is no room for complacency, as there are still seven stages left to race.
He hopes to hold on to the white jersey until the final stage, aiming to repeat TSG’s success of dominating the jersey in the 2022 edition through Mongolian rider Sainbayar Jambaljamts.
Last year, Aiman had only a brief taste of wearing the jersey, during the third stage from Jeli to Baling, when he raced for the Malaysian national team.
Today’s first stage was won by Gleb Syritsa from Astana Qazaqstan, who not only claimed the green jersey as the overall leader but also secured the orange jersey as the King of Sprints.
Completing the podium, Tyler Tomkinson from Ara Skip Capital took the polka dot jersey as the King of the Mountains.
Tomorrow, the riders will continue with the second stage, covering a distance of 154.5km from Arau to Butterworth. — September 29, 2024
