Time for a Malaysian show
01/03/2010, NST

THE 15th Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), given all the shortcomings in its startlist, is the best opportunity for Malaysian riders to end the wait for the first stage victory by a local rider.

And the two riders most touted to end the wait, Geumsan Ginseng Asia's Anuar Manan and Herbalife-Marco Polo's Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, are plotting what is expected to be a race-long clash of the event's top two sprinters.

Ahmad Haidar, 25, starts the race just two days after his wedding in Kemaman and has his eyes firmly set on a stage win, no matter what the critics say about Anuar's form.

Ironically, both are products of the LeTua Cycling Team, for whom they rode as teammates previously.

"I've put the wedding out of my mind because this is our best chance to get a stage win in LTdL.

"It looks like it is going to be between Anuar and myself if there are bunch sprints, and our team are prepared for that," said Ahmad Haidar.

Haidar has compatriot Loh Sea Keong right by his side and will count on the eccentric Kelantanese rider to keep him going in tough situations.

"We've got a good pacer in (Australian) Bradley Hall, so we can be at the front to get the opportunity to fight for the victories. But having said that, Anuar looks like he is in good form and his new team look strong too. So, it will be an interesting race."

Anuar doesn't have Ahmad Haidar high on his list of threats.

"I'm so used to the Malaysian sprinters, having raced with them all the time. Ahmad Haidar was my teammate before and I know exactly how he rides.

"My bigger concern is those from the bigger teams, who we don't know much of. It will be difficult to judge them," said Anuar.

"This year my form is better than previously and I have a good team to back me up.

"My target is on the flat stages which suit sprinters like me. This is where I want to achieve my target of winning a stage in this race."

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