KUALA LUMPUR — National cyclist Muhammad Zawawi Azman has made a homecoming by rejoining his former team, Team Sapura Cycling (TSC), now rebranded as the Malaysia Pro Cycling Team (MPC), ahead of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), which starts on September 29.
This marks Zawawi’s return to work alongside his mentor, Sayuti Zahit, the team’s sporting director.
Under Sayuti’s leadership, TSC made history as the first local team to win the yellow jersey when Benjamin Dyball claimed the overall title in 2019.
They successfully defended the title a year later with Italian cyclist Danilo Celano.
TSC also secured the red jersey (king of the mountain) at LTdL 2020, thanks to young Malaysian cyclist Nur Aiman Zariff.
After TSC disbanded last year due to financial difficulties, Zawawi represented the Malaysian national team. Now, he aims to help restore MPC’s former glory.
“At one point, I saw my career as being somewhat lost when the Sapura (TSC) team folded last year. Fortunately, I got the trust from coach Mohd Yusof (Nasir) to represent the Malaysian team.
“At that time, I could also feel my career seemed to come back to life. At least I still have a team after Sapura (TSC) was disbanded,” said Zawawi.
MPC will also be strengthened by riders Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah, Zulfikri Zulkifli, Muhammad Fahmi Khairul, Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil, and Muhammad Syawal Mazlin.
“Our LTdL preparations are progressing well. We’ve already competed in four tournaments this year, with the most recent being in Oman.
“Before that, we participated in the Tour de Ijen in Indonesia, followed by the Tour Trans-Himalaya and the Tour of Hainan in China. These races abroad have really set a positive momentum heading into this year’s LTdL.
“What I see is that our team has a good combination of riders. Each rider knows their respective roles, which will make our tasks easier,” he added.
The 28th edition of LTdL covers eight stages and a total distance of 1,227.2 km, with Langkawi Island returning to the route.
For the first time, two race stages will be held in Sarawak, in the cities of Miri and Bintulu. — September 20, 2024