WINNING ON SAMBAL POWER
Harrif becomes second Malaysian to top a stage in LTdL
APACKET of nasi lemak fuelled Harrif Saleh as he clinched an emotional win on the second day of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday, becoming only the second Malaysian to win a stage in the prestigious race.
The 200.6km second stage from Senawang to Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka saw an early breakaway formed by a small group of riders which included Malaysia national team’s Nik Mohd Azwan Zulkifle.
But the peloton, mostly controlled by Team Sapura Cycling (TSC), were not going to allow any threats in the fight for the General Classification title and comfortably reeled in the breakaway
pack to set up a sprint finish.
Led out by Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) teammate Youcef Reguigui, Harrif timed his sprint to perfection.
He edged LTdL stage win record holder Andrea Guardini to the line to deliver Malaysia’s first stage win since 2010.
Japan national team’s Kazushige Kuboki came in third while TSC’s Marcus Culey (Australia) retained the yellow jersey as he arrived in the same group.
Anuar Manan was the first and only other Malaysian to have won a stage in LTdL. He achieved the feat in the 2010 edition.
Harrif dedicated his win to his wife, Nursyahira Nordin. The couple are expecting their first child after five years of marriage.
“I did not expect to win today (yesterday) as there are many top sprinters here including Guardini. I had been following him from 1km out as I knew he was going to be fast,” said the 30-year-old.
“When he jumped, I just held back and saved my energy. I went out in the final 200m and am thankful that I managed to hang on for the win.
“I really have to thank my teammates especially Youcef (of Algeria), who is a very experienced lead-out man.
“This means a lot to me as I have finished second or third a few times before but today I have finally done it.
“It also means a lot to me as I wanted to do something special for my wife who is three months pregnant now. We have been married for five years.
Harrif denied that the absence of pro tour teams this year made it easier for him to win the stage.
“I think it would actually be easier if there were pro tour teams because they are more focused on the GC and controlling the peloton,” added Harrif.
“These pro continental and continental teams are more focused on the sprint stages.”
On a lighter note, Harrif shared that he enjoyed his usual breakfast of nasi lemak with ikan bilis, eggs and sambal before the race yesterday.
“It’s my routine, it’s a long race so you have to eat well. Italians eat pasta because that is what they are used to.
“I’m used to nasi lemak so that’s what I eat.”
Harrif ’s brother and teammate Zamri won the intermediate sprints at Kuala Pilah and Bahau while Japan’s Shotaru Iribe took Kota.
Australian Angus Lyons (Oliver’s Real Food Racing) won the first categorised climb at Bukit Putus while Azwan took Sungai Rokan.
South Korean Kim Jihun (KSPO) won the third climb at Bukit Miku.