TERENGGANU Cycling Team (TSG) are hoping to continue their fine form this season at the Tour of Rwanda, which flags off in Kigali today, following their recent success in Turkey.
The UCI2.1 tour is set to be their most challenging competition this season, with both tougher teams and terrain to contend with.
Aware of the challenges, TSG team lead coordinator Sharonjane Liau has brought an experienced squad with her to the Great Rift Valley.
Carlos Quintero (Colombia), Artem Ovechkin (Russia), Metkel Eyob (Eritrea), Goh Choon Huat (Singapore) and Nur Aiman Zariff will ride for TSG.
Star sprinter Harrif Saleh has been left out due to the hillier terrain.
"The routes are more suited to climbers, so we have brought an appropriate squad for the tour," said Sharonjane in Rwanda.
"There are some very good teams here this year, so we are expecting a tough competition, especially with Medellin and Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec in the mix.
"Last year, we finished fifth overall in the GC, while Quintero managed one podium finish (third — stage six).
"Eyobhas has also done well here in the past (with previous teams), with five stage wins to his name.
"For Ovechkin, Choon Huat and Aiman, it will be their first Rwanda experience. We are aiming to spring a few surprises here."
TSG are on a high at the moment after notching unexpected wins and podium finishes in Turkey.
They won three out of six one-day races (all UCI 1.2) in Alanya over February and March.
TSG also notched two podium finishes through Quintero and Youcef Reguigui at the Tour of Mevlana (UCI 2.2) last month.
The first stage today will see riders covering 115.6km from Kigali to Rwamagana.