KEPALA BATAS: It did not go to plan for Terengganu Cycling Team’s (TSG) Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan but he was still able to snag the Best Southeast Asian Rider daily award in Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) today (Sept 29).
Abdul Rahman, better known by his nickname Achik, finished sixth in the bunch sprint during the second stage from Padang Besar to Kepala Batas (166.1km).
Abdul Rahman said he suffered a technical issue with his bike late in the race but was able to recover in time, albeit at a cost.
“I dropped my chain about one kilometre from the finish but was able to put it back on,” said Abdul Rahman.
“I was able to rejoin the front group about 500 metres from the finish but by then I had already used up a lot of energy.
“I tried my best to keep up and was able to finish sixth which I am satisfied with considering the circumstances.
“I was 12th in the first stage so to be up to sixth today is a decent improvement.”
Malaysia Pro Cycling’s (MPC) Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil also did relatively well to place seventh in the second stage.
The third stage tomorrow (Sept 30) from Gerik to Pasir Puteh will cover 198.2 kilometres – the second longest in the tour this year.
The stage will feature categorised climbs in Gerik (category three), Sri Banding (category 2) and Puncak Titiwangsa (category one) as well as intermediate sprints in Jeli, Bukit Bunga and Machang.
Abdul Rahman said he will try to conserve his energy in the third stage as he wants to focus on other stages which are more suitable for sprinters.
“I will try to conserve some energy tomorrow but I cannot afford to take it too easy as there is a time limit,” he added.
Abdul Rahman’s teammate Harrif Saleh, who was the top Southeast Asian rider in the first stage, crossed the line 16th today.
– NST
