Aiman comes close to ending Malaysia’s five-year drought

KEMAMAN: It was not the home finish that Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) had hoped for, but a jersey and a special award from the fourth stage of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday provided some consolation after they came so close to a podium finish.

Their best hope, Nur Aiman Rosli (pic), almost pulled off a major surprise when he led the race until the final three kilometres before being caught by the main peloton.

Aiman said his decision to go on a breakaway was part of the team’s tactical plan. Although he was unable to end the five-year drought for local riders winning a stage at the LTdL since Harrif Saleh’s triumph in 2020, Aiman was recognised with the most combative rider award for his spirited effort.

“It was our plan from the start. This morning, the team instructed me to join the breakaway and thankfully it worked out. I managed to collect maximum points at two sprint zones, won the climb zone in Kijal, and was named the most combative rider. So I can say my job for the day was done.

“After the climb, I pushed as hard as I could because I knew the others in the breakaway were already tired. Unfortunately, the win wasn’t meant to be, but I’m satisfied that I gave it my best shot,” said Aiman.

Fortunately, TSG still had something to cheer about as their import rider, Vadim Pronsky, managed to keep hold of the white jersey as the best Asian rider.

Pronsky plans to help TSG retain the jersey in today’s fifth stage from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill.

“It was quite an easy day, but our plan was to get Aiman into the breakaway. He did really well and was named the most combative rider, which is great for the team. For tomorrow, we’ll see how things go. I’m feeling good and I really want to take this jersey home,” said Pronsky.

The jersey has been with TSG since the opening stage in Kuah, Langkawi, initially through Aiman, who continued to hold it during the second stage from Padang Besar to Kepala Batas.

It changed hands in the third stage from Gerik to Pasir Puteh, and now Pronsky is determined to keep it under TSG’s control as Thailand Pro Team’s Thanakhan Chaiyasimbat and Aisan Racing’s George Matsui continue to close in on his lead.