Team Sapura Cycling's Nur Aiman Zariff was again the standout man among Malaysian riders after another gritty performance in the third stage of Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday.
While Aiman's hopes of sneaking onto the podium failed to materialise, he can still hold his head high as he was able to take charge of the red jersey (climbers classification) after winning two out of the three categorised climbs.
“I am happy and grateful that all the efforts put in (yesterday) has paid dividends,” said the 22-year-old.
“I was able to win the first two (Bukit Damar, Bentong) but I suffered a puncture just before the last climb (Genting Sempah) and could only manage second then.”
Aiman, who remains third in the Asian classification (white jersey), said: “The final climb up Genting Highlands will be very hard. I will try to follow the other riders and also help out our teammates when possible.”
The fourth stage today will feature four relatively easy climbs at Tekali, Ampang Look Out Point, Selayang and Rawang - which are all category three climbs - before the ascent to Genting Highlands which is a hors categorie climb.