TSG cyclist Harrif ends dominance of Iranians

PASIR PUTEH: Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) cyclist Mohd Harrif Saleh ended the Iranian riders’ domination to win 169.10km Stage Three of the Tour of Malaysia from Gua Musang to Pasir Puteh.

The 28-year old rider, who was involved in a neck-and-neck battle with the other riders in the early stages of the race and at three climb zones – in Gua Musang, Chiku and Paloh – pulled away from the leading pack at the final 25m mark to beat South Korean Park Sung-baek, of Team KSPO, by half a wheel.

All seven riders crossed the finish line in a bunched finish and were awarded the same time – 4’00:49.

The maiden stage victory also saw Harrif wrest the blue jersey (king of mountain) from Iran’s Rahim Emami, of Pishgaman Giant, after accumulating 30 points.

Hariff admitted that the win did not come easy as he had to chase the breakaway group which made an early charge.

“The route today was very challenging because of the mountainous terrain. But, upon reaching the sprint zone, my brother Mohd Zamri and I started to sprint away,” he said.

Hariff also said that he would work hard to retain the blue jersey in today’s Stage 4, which covers a distance of 125.20km from Machang to Gong Badak and which will have three sprint zones in Jerteh, Rhu and Mengabang Lekor.

TSG head coach-cum-manager Adam Szabo was delighted to see his team’s plan of attacking in the final lap executed to perfection.

“This victory will surely motivate our riders to do well in their hometown stages and I expect them to put up much better performances in the next race,” said the Slovakian. — Bernama