KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysian riders competing in the just
ended Jelajah 1Malaysia (JIM 2012) proved that they too can excel at top level
road races.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Deputy President Datuk Naim
Mohamed said national riders showed a marked improvement in performance and
results despite the presence top class riders from other countries.
"From the 10 local teams that took part, only Pahang has yet to keep pace
with the rest while Kedah and Negeri Sembilan too need to improve.
"The results showed that the JIM is not an easy competition and that teams
participating must take a serious approach in the coming editions," said Naim.
Naim said participation from Continental teams, leading clubs in the region
and the Kazakhstan national team had increased the level of competition in the
UCI 2.2 status race.
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SPORTS-CYCLING (JIM) 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
In the six-stage race that ended yesterday, national riders dominated three
stages of the competition, winning two of the four main jersey that was on
offer.
The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider Mohd Shahrul Mat Amin won Stage 3
from Kulim, Kedah to Felda Chuping, Perlis, while his team mate Mohd Hariff
Salleh ruled Stage 4 from (Kangar, Perlis to Sungai Petani, Kedah) and (Sungai
Petani to Ipoh, Perak).
Meanwhile, one of the short-listed candidates for the London Olympics, Mohd
Adiq Hussainie Othman won the ''King of Sprint'' title that came along with the
Green Jersey and the White Jersey that was awarded to the ''Best Malaysian Rider''
after the six stages.
The Terengganu squad preparing for the Pahang SUKMA next month also hit the
right note by emerging as the best local team after accumulating 75 hours 52
minutes 43 seconds and even sidelined the senior TSG team by 23 minutes and 51
seconds.
"The JIM has achieved our main objective - that is to provide a high level
competition for local teams to gain exposure when competing against world class
riders," said Naim.
-- BERNAMA
FA AKT JRL