IPOH: Iranian Rahim Emami took charge of the yellow jersey with a commanding performance in the opening stage of Jelajah Malaysia 2016 from Kuala Lumpur to here today.
The Pishgaman Giant Team rider finished the 206.5km stage in four hours, 44 minutes and five seconds, a comfortable 18 seconds ahead of second-placed Rustom Lim (7Eleven SAVA RB Philippines).
Rustom's teammate, Edgar Nohales Nieto (+18 seconds), was third.
Terengganu Cycling Team's Nur Amirul Fakhruddin Marzuki (+1:13 seconds), who placed fourth, was the highest Malaysian finisher.
Emami’s win also sees him leading the points classification with 15 points.
The second stage tomorrow will see the riders covering 113.4km from Sungai Siput to Cameron Highlands.