KUALA LUMPUR: With Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) in their sights, Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC) is looking to build on their momentum after a solid start to their season at the National Road Cycling Championships which ended yesterday.
Despite narrowly missing out on winning the men's elite road race, MPC team principal Sayuti Zahit said he was pleased with his charges' performances.
MPC's Zawawi Azman settled for second in the race at Kuala Kubu Baru after being pipped by Terengganu Cycling Team's (TSG) Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki in a sprint finish.
MPC's Akmal Hakim Zakaria and Zulfikri Zulkifli came in fourth and ninth respectively.
"Of course we wanted to win it and Zawawi came really close but I think it was still a decent performance from the boys," said Sayuti when contacted today.
"This was our first time competing in the national championships as a team and many of our riders are coming from mountain bike (MTB) backgrounds.
"TSG are a very experienced side with strong riders who can win at the Sea Games level. We still gave them a run for their money and managed to get our guys in the breakaway with them.
"We have just concluded a five-week training camp in China but were slightly lacking in race sharpness compared to TSG. They have already been in a few tours this season."
Sayuti confirmed that MPC have been given an invite for this year's LTdL which will be held on Sept 29-Oct 6.
"Team Sapura Cycling missed out on the last two editions of LTdL so it will be nice to make a comeback to the race this year.
"Of course it means a lot to us and we will be doing everything we can to be prepared.
"Our next race will be the Tour of Thailand in early April. We will be rotating our squad to ensure our riders stay fresh. We have a long season ahead."
MPC, launched in August, are the successor of Sapura which was forced to close down earlier last year after failing to secure new sponsors.