Harrif leads national charge
IT was a positive day for the national riders at Jelajah Malaysia as Harrif Saleh and youngster Irwandie Lakasek notched a much deserved 13 finish in the third stage from Gua Musang to Pasir Puteh yesterday.
In the first bunch sprint finish of the tour this season, Harrif pipped Park Sung Baek (KSPO) to victory while Irwandie (NSC-Mycron) was just half a bike behind the South Korean.
Zamri, who set-up his brother Harrif for the sprint, came in fourth.
All four riders completed the 169.1km stage on the same time of four hours and 49 seconds.
Harrif, who has been expected to excel as the Jelajah stages flatten out, said he was relieved to have delivered the goods ahead of the tour entering his home state Terengganu.
The 28-year-old’s win places him in the lead in the points classification (blue jersey) with 30 points.
“There were a few break away attempts but my teammates worked hard to make sure we had a bunch sprint at the end,” said the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider.
The three short climbs (all cat 4) at Gua Musang, Chiku and Paloh early in the stage were won by TSG’s Nur Amirul Fakhruddin Marzuki — who remains in the lead in the best Malaysian rider competition, South Korean Seo Joon Yoong (KSPO) and Mohd Razif Salleh (KLCA).
Joon Yoong (KSPO) made it clear he is going all out for the sprinters’ jersey after bagging all three intermediate sprints at Lalok, Telekong and Machang.
Irwandie, who is primarily a track (endurance events) rider, said he was pleased to bag his first podium finish in a UCI sanctioned tour.
Both Harrif and Irwandie have been selected to represent the country at the Malaysia Sea Games next year in the road and track events respectively.
Iranian Arvin Moazami Godarzi came in 28th, although he was just a second behind Harrif ’s group.
The Pishgaman Giant Team rider remains in charge of the yellow jersey with a total time of 11:58:06s and is likely to secure the overall win at the end of the tour.
The fourth stage from Machang to Gong Badak today and the fifth and final stage from Kemaman-Kuala Terengganu on Saturday will see the riders covering 125.20km and 142.70km.
RESULTS — Stage 3 (Gua Musang to Pasir Puteh 169.1km):
General classification (yellow jersey):
celebrates winning the third Pic by Fathil Asri
Best young rider (white jersey):
Best Malaysian rider (red jersey):
Points classification (blue jersey):
Mountains classification (polka dot jersey):
By Fadhli Ishak