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National Riders Vows To Excel At 2010 LTdL

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The just-unveiled national team have vowed to pedal their best for better standing and performance in the 15th edition of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), starting this Monday.

The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has set the target of clinching the 12th overall position at this year's edition.

MNCF president Abu Samah Wahab Wednesday named season campaigner Ahmad Fallanie Ali (27), Mohd Zamri Salleh (27), Mohd Nur Rizuan Zainal (24), Mohammad Akmal Amrun (23), Amir Mustafa Rusli (23 - team captain) and Shahrul Mohd Amin (22) in the national line-up.

"Based on their current performance throughout a month of intensive training, we have set the target for the rider to be or to stay in the top 10 position in every stage.

"If all of them are able to achieve that position, the Malaysian national team will be able to achieve overall 12 placing," said national coach William Walker at a press conference at the 2010 LTdL Secretariat, National Aquatic Centre, here Wednesday.



Walker said his team had an intensive training since Jan 17 and would depart for Kota Baharu Thursday to continue their training before the competition begins on March 1.

"Our riders could be among the front runners and it all depends on which rider is capable to be in the breakaway before arriving at the finishing line in most stages besides the climb at Genting Highlands.

"The grueling climb has always been the toughest task for the Malaysian riders although they are familiar with the route. This year, we place the task on the shoulders of Fallanie, Zamri, Rizuan, Amir and Shahrul. We are banking on Akmal for the sprint," said Walker.

Walker said that the selected riders had to undergo a full-time training under proper guidance if they wanted to regain the 1997 glory when Malaysia won the best Asian team.

"We have only a limited time of training together as many state associations were reluctant to give up their riders due to the preparation for Malaysian Games (Sukma)," said Walker.

-- BERNAMA

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