Good show: (from left) Mohd Harrif Saleh, Ramazan Yilmaz and Ahmet Orken on the podium for the International Alanya Castle Criterium in Turkiye yesterday. Credit - Bike Media
PETALING JAYA: A slightly mistimed sprint was costly for Mohd Harrif Saleh but the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider is happy to finish second at the International Alanya Castle Criterium in Turkiye on Saturday (Feb 1).
The 36-year-old rider finished behind Turkiye’s Ramazan Yilmaz, who rides for Konya Buyukşehir Belediye Spor, while Ahmet Orken, also from Turkiye, took third for Spor Toto Cycling Team.
Harrif was thankful for the podium finish, after failing to finish the Grand Prix of Antalya on Saturday.
Harrif admitted that he perhaps began his sprint too early, which allowed Ramazan to overtake him in the final metres.
"It was a fast and tough race, but I owe it all to my teammates for helping me move to the front of the pack," said Hariff.
"In the final kilometer, I believe I was in the best position.
"But maybe I sprinted too early, because in the final 50m, I was overtaken by the Turkiye rider," said Harrif.
After teammate Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan won the Grand Prix on Saturday, it was the 24-year-old who came to Harrif’s help, leading him to the front before the finish line.
"My teammates were supporting me throughout the race. Before this it was always me leading my teammates, now it’s them helping me get to the front.
"I am still finding my rhythm when it comes to the sprint, but I am thankful that I am getting better," he said.
The seasoned rider added that his injury in his left leg has been improving, and is looking forward to getting back into full form soon.
"I had a fall before the races here, and there was pain in my left leg. But it is getting better each day as it recovers," he said.
