KEMAMAN: Terengganu Cycling Team’s (TSG) Nur Aiman Rosli has vowed to keep fighting for a stage win in this year’s Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).
Aiman went on an gallant solo attack in the last 11 kilometres and led during the fourth stage today from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman (141.5km) before he was reeled in by the peloton within four km from the finish.
Aiman had earlier in the day won intermediate sprints in Marang and Paka as well as the category four climb in Kijal. He was rewarded with the Most Combative Rider daily award for his efforts.
The 26-year-old had promised fans he would go for a breakaway victory – which are rare but not impossible in LTdL – before the tour started last week.
“I was told by our manager to go for the breakaway today,” said Aiman.
“My plan was to go full gas after the climb in Kijal. Unfortunately, I was not able to hold on to the lead until the end but it was still a decent performance.
“I managed to win two sprints and one categorised climb so as far as I am concerned, I did my job today.
“I will try to go for the win again, not tomorrow, but perhaps in the seventh stage from Melaka to Medini.
“I like long stages, so hopefully I can do something special then.”
Aiman had held the white jersey (Asian Riders’ Classification) for the first two stages but lost it in the hills during the third stage yesterday.
The seventh stage is the longest stage in LTdL this year, covering 214.9km with intermediate sprints at Sungai Rambai, Semerah and Pontian.
Aiman added that he will try to conserve energy in the tour’s queen stage tomorrow (Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill) which will be one for the climbers.
– NST
