TSG SETS HIGH HOPES ON THE SHOULDER OF HARIFF
9 FEBRUARY 2012

KUALA TERENGGANU – With an impressive line up of four young local riders and two experienced riders from Japan and South Korea, Terengganu Pro-Asia Cycling Team (TSG) has set stage wins as their main goal at the 17th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), from 24 February to 4 March.

During the TSG team launching ceremony held yesterday at Pantai Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu, by the Terengganu Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said is aiming high for this Terengganu-born team which was formed by the state government last year.

“I have a strong vision in getting TSG upgraded to a much higher level team, from the current continental level to pro-continental and finally ProTour status, I want TSG to be a real cycling powerhouse. We are working really hard to achieve this vision especially in terms of sponsorship, it is not going to be easy but it is a target we will truly work towards.” He said.

For LTdL this year, Datuk Seri emphasized that TSG is focused to win in the last few stages in Terengganu. “Our state’s districts will line up huge supporters along the routes to cheer for our riders, it will be a great motivation for them to work harder for the win.”

At the launch of the TSG team, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said also officiated Terengganu Cycling Month held at the month of February to the end of LTdL 2012.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TSG, Mohd Sophian Abu Bakar said, despite the departure of their top sprinter Anuar Manan this year who transferred to Pro-Continental Team Champion System, TSG has a successor, Mohd Hariff Salleh which is just as good and is capable battling for the sprint to the finish line.

The 24 year old Hariff, was the rider who was assigned to assist Anuar Manan in the previous edition, he managed to take third position in the finish at Stage 1, Langkawi. Hariff will now have the best chance to prove himself.

The winner of three gold medals at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia and among the best riders of the National Grand Prix Circuit series will be assisted his brother, Mohd Zamri Salleh and Korean teammate, Jang-Jae Chan to bring him to the front of the bunch sprint before he picks-up his powerful legs and realize the great dream of TSG.

Mohd Sophian who bearscs the great responsibility for the team hopes to see Hariff win at least one stage in the last three stages which finishes in Cukai and also Kuala Terengganu.

"That is our target this time for Le Tour de Langkawi, we also aim to improve the overall position of the team last year where we were in eighth placed overall and the fifth in Asian classification," said Mohd Sophian.

Besides Mohd Hariff and Mohd Zamri, two other Terengganu born riders will strengthen the challenge in Le Tour de Langkawi 2012. 2011 National Champion Mohd Shahrul Mat Amin which ranked 37th overall last year, and the team's top ranked rider in 31st place overall, Mohd Saufi Mat Senan.

In addition to Chan-Jae who will assist the team in fat and climb stages, TSG still retain experienced Japanese veteran, Shinichi Fukushima.

This year’s route has proven to be a difficult one for the team especially the Individual Time Trial in Putrajaya and climb up to Genting Highlands on Stage 6, TSG have made more thorough preparations this time by having a training camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand last January 3 to 6 February.

To increase their winning chances, the management has brought in a new coach from France, Sebastian Duclos who joined the team since early January to lead the team and plan their strategy this time around.

Since returning to Terengganu two days ago, TSG will resume training with more emphasis given to the three final route of Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 in Cukai, Kemasik, Kenyir and Kuala Terengganu to familiarize and know the ins and outs of the route.

"After one month in Chiang Rai training on the difficult climbs there, I think TSG will be better prepared this time around. Most importantly, we can prepare a better line-up and our riders are more focused to compete," said Mohd Sophian.

"We are delighted to see the line–up of great riders in TSG competing this year, they are among the top Asian continental teams to watch and should not be underestimated." said LTdL2012 chief operating officer of Emir Abdul Jalal. "The fans are indeed expecting a great performance from the riders of TSG and hopefully celebrate a win in the targeted stages."

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).