KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) believe their up-and-coming rider can be "just as fast" as star sprinter Harrif Saleh one day.
TSG sporting director Danny Feng said Wan Rahman and senior Irwandie Lakasek have both shown positive signs in recent seasons, and more is expected from them as they mature.
Wan Rahman, 23, placed third in one stage of the Tour of Thailand last year. He also won the men's criterium gold for Terengganu at the Malaysia Games last month.
Irwandie, 27, scored three second-place stage finishes in the 2019 and 2021 editions of the Tour of Thailand, and was also second in the Grand Prix of Gazipasa (Turkey) this year.
"We actually have two more sprinters other than Harrif," said Danny when asked about TSG's succession plans.
"Irwandie has done well in smaller races such as the Tour of Thailand and has a number of podium finishes to this name.
"We also have Wan. He is not as fast as Harrif yet, but we see his potential and just need to give him more opportunities to race.
"I think in a couple of years he will be ready to replace Harrif, he can be just as fast and can probably climb a little bit better as well."
Harrif, 34, is without doubt the greatest road sprinter Malaysia has produced. He has three Le Tour de Langkawi, four Tour of Thailand and seven Jelajah Malaysia stage wins to his name.
He became the first Malaysian to win a UCI-sanctioned race in Europe when he came out tops in the GP Velo Manavgat in Turkiye last year.