Sofian takes white jersey with superb performance

Nabil Omar Bakri went to bed with a smile on his face after taking charge of the white jersey (Asian classification) with an outstanding performance in the third stage of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday.

The Malaysia national team rider won all three intermediate sprints at Simpang Ampat, Lubok Cina and Lukut, as well as the only categorised climb in the stage at Bukit Pelanduk.

Sofian, who trailed former Asian classification leader Kim Jihun (KSPO) by only four seconds after the second stage, said he felt confident of taking the lead yesterday.

“The plan today (yesterday) was to break away early and go for the bonus seconds from the intermediate sprints,” said the 26-year-old yesterday.

“I think I performed quite well today, and I am very happy to finally be in the white jersey. This is the fourth time I am competing in LTdL.

“We prepared meticulously for this race and I have to thank coach Yusof Nasir for having faith in my abilities. I will definitely sleep well tonight (yesterday).”

Sofian now leads the Asian classification with a five-second advantage over Kazakhstan’s Vadim Pronskiy (Vino-Astana Motors) and Japan national team’s Shoi Matsuda.

He believes that by taking charge of the white jersey, it will improve his team’s chances in the Genting Highlands climb today.

“Being in charge of the white jersey definitely gives me more motivation for tomorrow’s stage. I am not sure if I will be able to defend it tomorrow but I will definitely give it everything,” said Sofian.

Sofian added that he and his teammates will also be working hard to give their main climber Nik Mohd Azwan Zulkiflie a chance to shine today.