Nur Aiman hopes to capture early stage on home ground

KUALA TERENGGANU - There is nothing that makes Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) cyclist Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff happier than clinching a podium finish in the first two stages of the 2023 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) competition on his own turf.

According to the Marang-born rider, the target in an effort to become the first local rider to top the competition in the East Coast state since the LTdL was first held.

"I have that feeling, and would like to try for the first day not just to read the race but to jostle for a podium position.

"In Malaysia, there are no more local riders now who have successfully donned the green jersey (overall leader) in Terengganu," he said when met.

TSG almost enjoyed a podium position in Terengganu at LTdL 2012 where sprint expert Mohd Harrif Saleh finished fourth in the 10th stage starting from Tasik Kenyir and ending in Kuala Terengganu.

Harrif then finished sixth in the fourth stage of the 165.4 kilometer (km) race from Kota Bharu to Kuala Berang, three years later in the 20th edition of LTdL.

Meanwhile, TSG's chief operating officer, Nasiruddin Wan Idrus said since TSG's establishment in 2011, they have never won at any stage held in the state nicknamed 'The Home of Malaysia Cycling'.

"Not only have we never won at any level in the state of Terengganu. We have never won even number three but we will try to break it this year," he said.

Stage 1 race which starts from Kerteh to Kuala Terengganu tomorrow, covering a total distance of 187.4km, will see 22 teams take on two category four climbs in Jerangau and Sekayu as well as three sprint zones in Dungun, Ajil and Tok Jamal. - BERNAMA