KUALA LUMPUR – After Team Sapura Cycling shuttered its operations in June, cyclist Muhammad Shaiful Adlan Shukri was left without a team to ride for.
However, in a remarkable turn of events just five months later, the 25-year-old not only secured a spot with a new team but also clinched the prestigious yellow jersey for the General Classification at the Tour of Negeri Sembilan on Sunday.
Grateful for the opportunity to ride again, Shaiful attributes his success to his new team, the Sarawak-based Buceros Cycling Team.
“I was with Sapura for five years from 2019, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, I didn’t have many opportunities to race.
“Unfortunately because of financial issues, the team has shut down. But during that stint with Sapura, I travelled to Sarawak often to race.
“That is how I got to know the people who ran Buceros and I joined them after Sapura.
Operating without formal contract, Shaiful appreciates the flexibility Buceros provides, saying that the team will give him an allowance for the races he joins under them.
Shaiful’s recent achievement comes on the heels of his participation in Le Tour de Langkawi with the national team, where they outperformed some international cycling union continental teams like JCL Team Ukyo from Japan, Hengxiang Cycling Team from China, and KSPO Professional from South Korea.
At Sunday’s Tour of Negeri Sembilan, he proudly secured the yellow jersey after completing the four-stage event with a time of 9h 23m and 17s.
Afiq Huznie Othman from the Armed Forces Cycling Team trailed by 11s, and Terengganu’s Zhe Yie Kee claimed the third spot with a time of 9h 23m and 40s.
“Last year, I assisted my friend and Sapura teammate Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli in winning the General Classification title. This year, clinching the top spot myself is truly special.
“Initially, the team aimed for a stage win, so whoever is in a position to win, the team will support them. I did not at all target to win the General Classification, I just wanted to help my teammates out.
“Even in today’s (Sunday) criterium, my goal was to help Aiman to get the green jersey (Best Sprinter), but I’m really happy and grateful to win the Tour of Negeri Sembilan this year,” he said.
The Tour, which began on November 16, concluded with a thrilling Criterium race on Sunday. – November 21, 2023
Classifications:
Team General Classification winner: Malaysia Pro Cycling
Individual General Classification (Yellow Jersey): Muhammad Shaiful Adlan Shukri (Buceros Cycling Team)
Best Sprinter (Green Jersey): Afiq Huznie Othman (Armed Forces Cycling Team)
King of Mountain (Polka Dot Jersey): Zawawi Azman (Armed Forces Cycling Team)
Best Under-23 rider (White Jersey): Kee Zhi Yie (Terengganu)