A GOLDEN PROMISE
Sofian ready to give his all for Malaysia in Philippines Sea Games
NATIONAL cyclist Sofian Nabil Omar is prepared to “ride on empty” to ensure Malaysia win at least one gold medal from the mass start road race event at the Philippines Sea Games.
Sofian has enjoyed a strong season so far.
He briefly held the best Asian rider jersey in the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) in April.
Then, in last month’s Tour of Peninsular (ToP), he finished third in the final stage.
“I’m quite happy with my performance in ToP and I believe we are ready for the Sea Games. It is only a matter of peaking at the right time,” said Sofian.
“Previously only one gold was at stake in road race. This time, there will be two gold on offer — individual and team.
“The route will be quite challenging as there are a number of tough climbs.
“I’m not a pure climber. I’m more of an all-rounder, but I will give 100 per cent to help the team win at least one gold.”
The hilly route selected by hosts Philippines for the Sea Games this year means there is no place in the squad for sprinter Harrif Saleh, who won gold at the last two editions of the biennial competition.
Sofian will team up with Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) riders Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki and Shahrul Mat Amin as well as Team Sapura Cycling duo Muhammad Zawawi Azman and Akmal Hakim Zakaria in the road race.
Veteran Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi, Nik Azwan Zulkiflie and brothers Ameen and Ameer Ahmad Kamal will ride in the team time trial event.