Sapura crowd the podium

AS expected, Sapura Cycling Team’s diminuitive Colombian climbers dominated the podium in the fourth stage of Jelajah Malaysia yesterday.

But it was not enough for them to displace Brendon Davids from the top of the general classification (GC).

Sapura notched a 1-3 finish in the 101.3km stage from Kulim to Gunung Jerai. Wilmar Jahir Perez Munoz won in two hours, 50 minutes and 41 seconds with CCN Cycling Team’s Samuel Volkers (Aus) coming in second, 41 seconds adrift.

Victor Nino Corredor (+1:50s) came in third while Davids (3:59s) from Oliver’s Real Food Racing was fourth. Volkers led for most of the 10km climb (elevation 1,217m) up Gunung Jerai only to be overtaken by Perez Munoz 1km from the finish.

Perez Munoz, who lost too much time in the earlier stages to be of any real threat in the GC, said he was still happy to deliver Sapura’s first ever stage win at Jelajah Malaysia.

“We knew this would be the most important day for us and it was a difficult race to control with many breakaway attempts from early on,” said the 30-year-old.

“I think it was a good performance from the team overall. The climb here at Gunung Jerai is quite similar to that back home in Colombia and I was prepared.

“I felt strong throughout the race and was aware of the gap that Volkers had.”

Davids, whose lead in the GC has been slashed to only 24 seconds over second placed Corredor, said he was careful not to follow the aggresive moves from the Columbian duo.

“I am surprised to still be in the yellow,” said the 23-year-old.

Kuala Lumpur’s Azli Najmi Zulkefli emerged as the best Malaysian on the day, coming in a commendable 11th (+4:49s).

Davids’ teammate Thomas remained in charge of the grey jersey (young riders classification) while Sapura’s Zawawi Azman and TSG’s Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki also retain their red (Malaysian classification) and green (points classification) jerseys.

The fifth and final stage today will see riders starting in Alor Star before going through Jitra, Wang Tepus and Pokok Sena and finish back in Alor Star (132.8km). Fadhli Ishak and Azlan Muhammad Zain