KANGAR: Malaysian road cycling great Harrif Saleh has made it clear that he wants to end his professional racing career with his beloved Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG).
Harrif has been on the books at TSG since the UCI continental team was formed in 2011 and has amassed over 22 race victories and too many podium finishes to mention with them. TSG is the only professional team he has raced for.
His future with them, however, remains unknown as his contract is renewed annually.
The 37-year-old, a firm fan favourite whenever he races in Malaysia, is currently competing in the ongoing Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).
“I don’t know if this will be my last (LTdL) appearance,” said Harrif recently.
“Personally, I still want to continue racing as we have seen many top riders continue to perform well even until they are 40.
“But we have to see what the (TSG) management decides, whatever it is I will accept it.
“I don’t think I will be joining any other teams because I have a lot of memories with TSG. TSG will be my last team.”
Among his most outstanding achievements include winning three LTdL stages in 2019 and 2020 (two) – a Malaysian record. In 2021 he became the first Malaysian to win a UCI road race in Europe (GP Velo Manavgat).
Harrif, a four-time Sea Games gold medallist, was also a feared figure at the Southeast Asian level and was almost unbeatable in the sprint during his prime.
The Kampung Ladang-born has had wretched luck this season, he battled influenza and was forced to rest for two months earlier this year.
Then at the Tour of Binzhou (Sept 9), he suffered a gruesome facial injury as well as abrasion wounds and contusions across his body after crashing.
That, however, did not stop him from claiming the Best Southeast Asian rider daily award in LTdL yesterday (Sept 28) after coming in ninth in the opening stage in Langkawi.
– NST
