OCBC Cycle Malaysia annoucing The Elite Criterium Line-up for 2014 from left: Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, Robbie McEwen, Chris Robb, Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad, Jeffrew Chew, Danny Feng and Ronald Yeung on Jan 16, 2014.
KUALA LUMPUR: Team OCBC Singapore cyclist Ahmad Haidar Anuawar is hoping to strike a good partnership with new sprinter Rico Rogers as the team look to make their mark this season.
New Zealander Rogers, who joined the Singapore outfit after a year with Synergy Baku Cycling team last season, looks certain to seal his place as the main sprinter for OCBC Singapore after a string of podium finishes last season.
Haidar was influential in helping Anuar Manan, now with Terengganu Cycling, in the sprints when they were in local outfit LeTua Cycling in 2007-2008.
In their early days as professionals, Haidar managed to guide Anuar to the top of the podium in the Tour of Hainan in 2007.
“I’m happy the team managed to get him (Rogers) because he is a good sprinter. It will remind me of the good times I had helping out Anuar when we first started out,” said the 27 year-old Haidar at the OCBC Cycle Malaysia press conference on Thursday.
However, Haidar will have to wait before linking up with Rogers in races as the New Zealander will start the season in the Le Tour de Langkawi from Feb 27-March 8, a race which Haidar will be sitting out.
“My name is not on the list (for LTdL). Maybe we will race together in June. I know that it is still far away but it is something I’m looking forward to,” said Haidar, who helped Loh Sea Keong – now with Giant Shimano – win Jelajah Malaysia last year.
Meanwhile Haidar will have to put friendship aside as he goes head-to-head with Anuar in the men’s Open criterium of OCBC Cycle Malaysia at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday.
The race will boast the whole of the Terengganu Cycling squad, national champion Mohd Shahrul Mat Amin and national cyclists.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad, in announcing the line-up on Thursday, said the criterium is an ideal format to bring elite cycling to a greater audience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
“It is hoped that the event will be a source of inspiration for young cyclists to reach the elite level,” he said.
Also present at the announcement were three-time Tour de France green jersey (best sprinter) winner Robbie McEwen, who is the ambassador for OCBC Cycle.
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