KUALA SELANGOR: Sapura Cycling Team's Zawawi Azman won the opening stage of the Tour de Selangor, from Dataran Petaling Jaya to Bukit Malawati (114km) on Tuesday.
Zawawi, who emerged as the best Malaysian rider at Jelajah Malaysia earlier this month, clocked two hours and 42 seconds, crossing the finish line just ahead of Police rider Nik Azwan Zulkifle and third-placed Ryohei Komori from Aisan Cycling Team.
The 23-year-old said he was determined to win a stage at Tour de Selangor after a series of setbacks at Jelajah Malaysia.
"I attacked quite early in the stage (fifth km) and managed to hang on for the win. I am happy to take an early advantage in the tour.
"I made a lot of mistakes during Jelajah Malaysia and did not manage to win a stage. I felt really determined to win here.
"It means a lot to me to lead in the general classification (GC) and I will try my best to defend my lead,” he said.
Zawawi is now in charge of the yellow (GC), red (mountains classification) and blue (points classification) jerseys.
The second stage tomorrow will see riders starting in Shah Alam and finishing in Dengkil, covering a distance of 138.2km.
Translated from Harian Metro