TEAM Sapura Cycling rider Saari Amri Abd Rasim clinched the men's elite mass start event at the National Road Cycling Championships in Bukit Katil, Melaka yesterday.
Police's Elmi Jumari finished second, while Irwandie Lakasek of Terengganu took third in a race, which was decided by a photo finish as all three riders clocked 4:31:01s.
Saari said he did not expect to pip his teammate Akmal Hakim Zakaria to the title. Akmal ended up finishing fourth.
"The plan was to help Akmal defend his national title. I did not expect to win it," said Saari, who competed in the junior event last year.
"We are in good form after our recent outing in Thailand. Overall, Sapura did well to retain this title."
In the men's Under-23 event, Terengganu Cycling Team's Wan Abd Rahman Hamdan clinched the gold after clocking 3:52:32s, followed by Yusri Shaari of Perak A (3:52:37) and Faisal Izuddin Ahmad Joyo of Terengganu A (3:52:37).
Sapura manager Sayuti Zahit said there was only a 50 per cent chance of winning the title yesterday.
"It was a tough victory. An early breakaway did not work. However, we closed the gap with the breakaway group in the final lap.
"And Saari took the win in the last 300 metres of the race," he said.