ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor erupted in joy today (Oct 4) as Tangkak-born Nur Aiman Rosli made good on his promise to finish on the podium in Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), via a breakway no less.
Over 85 per cent of the seventh stage, which started in Melaka and ended in Medini (214.9km), went through Johor and the streets and villages were lined with fans, many of whom were supporting Aiman.
Aiman was again in the breakaway from early on and won the intermediate sprint at Semerah before going solo roughly 20km from the finish.
The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider appeared set to be caught by the peloton roughly 10km from the finish but then suddenly found himself joined by Unibet Tietema Rockets’ Zeb Kyffin who had relatively fresh legs.
A fatigued Aiman rode Kyffin’s wheel to the finish line to claim second place behind the Briton.
“I tried my best today and although I was only second, I am still very happy with the result,” said Aiman.
“I was really motivated because everywhere I went, people were screaming ‘Aiman, Aiman, Aiman’.
“When Zeb came across I just followed his wheel as I know he is a very strong rider.
“I just did not have the legs to sprint at the end because I had been riding solo for about 20km.
“I hope everyone will come out and support us tomorrow as well as we will be starting in my hometown (Tangkak).”
It is the first time Aiman has finished on the podium in LTdL. This is his third appearance in the UCI ProSeries tour.
The 26-year-old was also rewarded with the Best Southeast Asian rider and Most Combative Rider daily awards for his efforts today.
Aiman had also attempted solo attacks in the fourth (Kuala Terengganu-Kemaman) and sixth stages (Shah Alam-Port Dickson) but was caught by the peloton within 5km from the finish.
The eighth and final stage of LTdL will cover 180.2km from Tangkak to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
– NST
