Harrif, Azwan upbeat
IT is going to be an open race in this year’s Jelajah Malaysia following the withdrawals of defending champions Pishgaman of Iran and South Korea’s KSPO.
Police rider Nik Azwan Zulkifle, who won the best Malaysian jersey last year, said the yellow jersey competition will be wide open.
“Pishgaman are known for their strong climbers and they usually dictate the peloton’s pace in every stage,” said Azwan.
“Without them, it will be easier to attack and make breakaways.
“Obviously, it opens up more chances for local riders in the general classification and I believe Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Sapura Cycling will both be strong.”
TSG’s Harrif Saleh echoed Azwan but is also disappointed that he will miss out duelling with rival Park Sung Baek, who won the points classification jersey last year.
“KSPO are very strong but we have never feared them and had even beaten them before.
“We have competed against each other quite a few times.
“Obviously, it will be easier for us without them but there are still few teams who are equally tough.
“Oliver's Real Food Racing of Australia is one of them.
“We've raced them in Australia before and they are quite well known there and have good sprinters,” said Harrif.
Harrif won the third stage of Jelajah Malaysia last year from Gua Musang to Pasir Putih though he lost to Sung Baek in the final stage which ended at TSG’s home ground in Kuala Terengganu.
A total of 18 teams will compete in Jelajah Malaysia, which begins today, with TSG, who are ranked fourth in Asia, being the favourites. Fadhli Ishak and Azlan Muhammad Zain