KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Professional Cycling (MPC) team founder Sayuti Zahit believes Nur Aiman Rosli's move to the Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) is a positive step for both the rider and TSG.
After months of speculation, Aiman, who has been a free agent since July, signed with the Kuala Terengganu-based UCI continental squad last week.
In the past, TSG only signed Terengganu-born riders, but have now opened up a quota for those born in other states.
Sayuti said TSG, which ended this season as the top-ranked UCI Asia Tour team for the third year in a row, have the resources to further develop Aiman's talent.
The Johor-born rider is a four-time national time trial champion.
"TSG have strong, solid funding and can compete in many international races every season," said Sayuti today.
"The more races he gets under his belt, the better he will become. He needs the exposure.
"As a newly set up team, we do not have the same resources available to us at the moment.
"I believe TSG's decision to open up to riders born outside of Terengganu is a positive step.
"Riders like Aiman are incredibly hardworking and those in the team will feel challenged.
"They will be forced to get out of their comfort zone and work harder to secure their place in the squad. Internal competition is also important in a team."
Aiman previously spent three and a half years with Team Sapura Cycling, which Sayuti also founded, before it closed down in June after failing to secure new sponsorship.
MPC, launched in August with the backing of new sponsors, is the successor of Sapura. They are expected to begin competing internationally next year.