KUALA LUMPUR: National team rider Elmi Jumari suffered a horrific crash during last year’s Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) which left him sidelined for almost six month.
The stage two crash left him with broken fingers and collarbone and required surgery to correct.
Elmi is, however, back for this year’s LTdL, which starts on Sunday (Sept 28) and is determined to make an immediate impact.
“I don’t feel any (psychological) trauma from the incident last year and am back to racing as normal. I still feel brave enough to go for it in the sprints,” said Elmi today (Sept 26).
“I believe I am in better form than I was last year as I have had the chance to compete in more races this year to prepare myself.
“My goal is to go for it (podium) in the first two stages before we head into the hills.
“I expect the first stage to be very competitive as all the sprinters will want to win the stage and wear the leader’s jersey for at least a day or two.”
LTdL begins with a 96.7km loop around Langkawi Island on Sunday (Sept 28) featuring intermediate sprints at Harbour Park, Bayas and Padang Matsirat followed by a category four climb at Bukit Malut.
Elmi, 35, added that he has recovered well from his injuries from the crash but may have to go for another surgery later this year.
“I feel fine and there is no pain. There is a little stiffness but it does not affect my performances,” said Elmi.
“The doctors want me to do another surgery as there is one bone which is not yet fully connected.
“But I told them to hold off the surgery first as I still have a number of races to compete in. I will likely get the surgery done by December.”
Elmi will likely be led out by Shahrul Mat Amin and Ameer Kamal in the bunch sprints.
Kee Zhe Yie, Yusri Shaari and Iqman Zarawi are the other riders in the national team for LTdL.
– NST
