CAMERON HIGHLANDS – National road cycling coach Mohd Yusof Nasir was left disappointed after his appeal to reduce the penalty fine for cyclist Mohd Elmi Jumari was rejected by the commissaire.
Elmi Jumari, currently hospitalised, was accused of causing the major accident that occurred near the finish line of the second stage of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday, which took place from Arau to Butterworth.
As a result, the 34-year-old cyclist was fined 200 Swiss Francs (RM978.50) under Article 5.1 for deviating from his chosen line, which obstructed or endangered another rider.
Additionally, he faced a 25% deduction in points classification and was relegated to last place.
The accident also involved several cyclists from the Philippine and Thai teams, with Elmi among those who were rushed to the hospital due to serious injuries.
“I made an appeal, but the commissaire stood by their decision even though I presented several clips of the incident as evidence.
“They claimed that Elmi was at fault for trying to overtake on the left side, which led to a collision with Bardiani CSF rider Lorenzo Conforti,” said Yusof.
However, Yusof felt relieved after being informed by the National Sports Council (NSC) that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) was willing to assist in paying the fine and covering Elmi’s medical expenses.
Elmi was reported to have not only suffered a broken left finger but also a fractured collarbone and abrasions on several parts of his body.
“Elmi underwent surgery on his left finger yesterday. After this, we can address the issues with his collarbone and right finger, but whether that will be done in Butterworth or Kuala Lumpur will require further discussions with the hospital.
“I managed to see him, but we didn’t have much time to talk since it was late. However, during his transfer from Seberang Jaya Hospital to the private hospital, Elmi apologised for not being able to continue the race,” he added.
Elmi’s absence is certainly felt by the Malaysian team, as he is a sprint specialist within the national squad.
Malaysia’s hopes in the remaining stages of LTdL now rest on five riders: Muhammad Yusri Shaari, Abdul Azim Aliyas, Tsen Ren Bao, Muhsin Al Redha Misbah, and Afiq Huznie Othman, who has now been appointed as the captain.
After three races, Malaysia is in 13th place overall, while in the Asian category, they remain in third place, behind JCL Ukyo and Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG).
“Regardless, my plans remain unchanged. We will strive to do our best for the team. We aim to secure a spot among the top three teams in Asia, even in Elmi’s absence, and to give our best for him and the country.
“The morale of the other riders is still high, and they want to achieve victory for Elmi, doing everything possible to dedicate this success to him and our nation,” said Yusof. – October 1, 2024
