Surprise, surprise: Mohd Nur Aiman Rosli posing on the podium. — Bernama
THE cycling team earned a surprise medal when national champion Mohd Nur Aiman Rosli picked up a bronze in the individual time trial.
The event was won by Thailand’s Peerapol Chawchiangkwang who clocked 48:32.404 while Indonesia’s Aiman Cahyadi (48:37.903) took silver. Aiman completed the 39.56km course in 48:58.547 in Hoa Binh province yesterday.
His teammate Shaiful Adlan Shukri came in ninth in 51:31.146.
Team manager Firdaus Arshad believed the duo’s performance bodes well for Malaysia’s future in the event.
Aiman and Shaiful are both 23 and compete for continental pro outfit Team Sapura Cycling.
“We wanted to finish on the podium of course. But we were not sure if it was possible as we have not been able to gauge our rivals’ strength in this event over the last few years (due to Covid-19),” said Firdaus.
“To claim a bronze is actually a bonus as our main medal targets were more towards the criterium and road races.
“Aiman was only roughly 30 seconds away from the winner while Shaiful did well to finish in the top 10.
“This is a good sign as both are still young. This experience will hold them in good stead for next year’s Cambodia Games.”
The women’s category saw Yeong Zhen Yi (22:00.164) and Siti Nur Adibah Akma Mohd Fuad (22:29.953) finishing ninth and 10th respectively.
Indonesia’s Delia Ayustina Priatna took gold in 20:01.832 while Singapore’s Luo Yiwei came in second on 19:59.095. Thailand’s Phetdarin Somrat (20:40.167) completed the podium.
The cyclists will compete in the men’s road race today.
