BUKIT JALIL — National road cycling coach Mohd Yusuf Abdul Nasir has his sights firmly set on securing the coveted white jersey for Best Asian Rider with the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) set to kick off this Saturday.
In his quest for this prestigious title, he is pinning his hopes on the capabilities of two exceptional riders from his team.
Heading into the ProSeries status tour, Yusuf’s unwavering confidence in his team members, 29-year-old climber Muhammad Zawawi Azman, and versatile all-rounder Mohammad Nur Aiman Rosli, positions them as key contenders for the Best Asian Rider title.
“Aiman is a time triallist but he can also climb, he is not that far away from Zawawi so he can provide good competition.
“Our chance to win the white jersey is very realistic but the competition will be tough, they should ride without fear,” he said after a press conference introducing the Malaysian National Team here today.
Yusuf added that his riders’ best chance to fight for the white jersey is at Stage 3, Jeli to Baling, and Stage 5, Slim River to Genting Highlands.
“Those two stages are long and hilly and at the same time, we don’t want any gaps from the front pact to the back.
“We don’t want to be left behind so we will try and fight there,” he added.
Yusuf also said he is happy with his team’s preparation for the ProSeries level race as they have had three months’ worth of preparation, getting in 1,500 kilometres a week.
The national team is comprised of captain Muhammad Zawawi (climber), Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil (sprinter), Zulhelmi Zainal (sprinter), Muhammad Shaiful Adlan Mohd Shukri (climber), Mohammad Nur Aiman Rosli (all-rounder) and Muhsin Al Redha Misbah. — September 19, 2023