KUALA TERENGGANU – Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team rider, Nur Aiman Mohd Zarrif, achieved his target on the first stage of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), which took place from Kerteh to Kuala Terengganu today.
The Marang native had set his sights on reaching the podium in his home state and did so by taking possession of the coveted polka dot jersey for the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification.
“My target was to get onto the podium in my own state, so I’m really grateful for that.
“Even though I couldn’t get the stage win, I did manage to claim the KOM jersey.
“Like I said I wanted to get a result in my own state so I’m thrilled to do this on the first day of this year’s race,” said the 25-year-old.
The stage victory went to Dutchman Arvid de Kleijn from Tudor Pro Cycling Team, with Belgian Sasha Weemaes from Human Powered Health finishing in second place, and Russian Gleb Syritsa from Astana Qazaqstan rounding out the podium.
During the race, Nur Aiman collected three points in two Category 4 climbs in Jerangau and Sekayu to clinch the KOM classification.
However, he was not the best Malaysian finisher, as the title went to Mohamad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil from the Malaysia National Team, who claimed fourth place.
Tomorrow’s stage two will start in Kuala Terengganu before ending in Kota Bharu, covering a distance of 186.2km. – September 23, 2023
Stage 1 Classification winners:
Individual General Classification (Green Jersey) — Arvid de Kleijn of Tudor Pro Cycling Team
Best Asian Rider (White Jersey) — Tegshbayar Batsaikhan of Roojai Online Insurance
Best Sprinter (Orange Jersey) — Arvid de Kleijn of Tudor Pro Cycling Team
Best Climber (Polka Dot Jersey) — Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff of Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team