LANGKAWI: Seasoned sprinter Harrif Saleh (pic) has hinted that this year’s Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) could be his last after making a record 16 appearances in the race.
The 37-year-old admitted that he no longer possesses the same power he once had at his peak, but his passion and love for cycling remain undiminished.
Although he has yet to decide whether to retire or continue racing, Harrif said he hopes to end his career with his east coast-based team.
“I’m still not sure yet (about my plans for the next five years), but my heart has always been in cycling.
“This could be my last appearance, and even though I want to stay and keep riding, I’ll leave it to the management to decide, and I’ll just accept it.
“Alexander Kristoff (the 38-year-old Norwegian rider) is a year older than me and he’s still racing.
“Mark Cavendish, at 40, even managed to win a Tour de France stage (last year). So when it comes to age, I don’t really see it as a factor. As long as I can keep riding, serve the team and give 100 per cent to the younger local riders, that’s where I’ll use my experience,” said Harrif at a press conference.
His 16 LTdL appearances are the most by any rider, followed by Iranian cyclist Ghader Mizbani.
With Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), Harrif has enjoyed plenty of success, earning a reputation as one of Malaysia’s most prolific professional cyclists.
Among his proudest moments was becoming the only Malaysian to win three LTdL stages — the most by a local rider in the tour’s history.
He claimed his first stage victory in 2019, winning Stage 2 from Senawang to Melaka, before following up with two more wins the following year — Stage 5 from Kuala Kubu Baru to Ipoh and Stage 7 from Bagan to Alor Setar.
If this does turn out to be his final LTdL appearance, Harrif hopes to savour one last podium finish as the race begins today — a feat he last accomplished five years ago.
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