KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) have set their sights on at least one podium finish in the stage races and having one rider in the top-10 of the general classification (GC) in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from Oct 11-18.
TSG team lead coordinator Sharonjane Liau said the Kuala Terengganu-based outfit expect a much tougher competition this year compared to when the race was last held in 2020.
Race organisers Human Voyage Sdn Bhd recently confirmed the participation of six WorldTeams for the competition this year.
The six are: UAE Team Emirates, Lotto Soudal, Cofidis, EF Education-EasyPost, Movistar and Astana-Qazaqstan.
"If I am not mistaken, this is the largest number of WorldTeams competing in LTdL since the 2014 edition. This is good for the race and the fans," said Sharonjane.
"These teams will be here on a mission to collect points and boost their rankings before the end of the season.
"Our goal is to at least finish on the podium in one stage and get one of our riders in the top-10 of the GC.
"We have yet to finalise our team for LTdL as the Japan Cup (Oct 16) will also be held at the same time, so we will have to split the squad.
"Tentatively, we are expecting to send Harrif Saleh to LTdL as well as (GC riders) Metkel Eyob, Anatolii Budiak and Jambaljamts Sainbayar.
"We will see who does well (in GC) and support that rider. You can't really plan these things (team leader for GC) too far ahead as anything can happen in a road race."
Sprinter Harrif, 33, created history in 2020 when he became the first Malaysian to win two stages in the same edition of LTdL.
He has three LTdL stage wins to his name having previously won one stage in 2019.
Team Sapura Cycling's Danilo Celano, who won the yellow jersey in 2020, is expected to defend his title this year. LTdL was not held last year due to the Covid pandemic.
kw: cycling, Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team, TSG Le Tour de Langkawi, LTdL Sharonjane Liau