Mohd Harrif brushes off pain to emerge best Malaysian rider

National rider, Mohd Harrif Salleh who sustained injuries on both legs and hands in an accident on Friday, emerged as the best Malaysian rider in the third stage of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) Saturday.

The cyclist from Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) was placed 13th when the race ended in a mass sprint.

"My wounds were not completely healed...last night I had difficulty sleeping. I felt so lethargic this morning.

"The coach was shocked when I told him I wanted to continue racing as I am determined to complete the race and I am still hoping to win one stage," he said.

"The cooperation of the entire team helped me in continuing in the group until the mass sprint towards the finishing line," he said.

However, misfortune befell another TSG sprinter, Anuar Manan after the bicycle he was riding broke at the race on Saturday.

The incident which occurred about 10km before the finishing line proved to be a costly incident and he had to use a replacement bicycle to complete the 166.5km stage.

"I am truly disappointed to be floored by a broken bicycle today as I was targeting to clinch a stage win," he said.

As a result of the problem, he ended the third stage in 116th place, 3 minutes and 50 seconds behind stage winner Andrea Guardini of Astana Pro Team.

However, Anuar was happy for teammate, Mohd Harrif Salleh for his determined effort.

Nonetheless, after stage three, TSG had taken the lead among Asian teams clocking 27:44;21s and were placed ninth in the overall standing, trailing 1:18s behind race leader Team Colombia which recorded a time of 27:43:03s.

"So far the team were consistent after three stages. After the crash yesterday (Friday), we missed the opportunity for a stage win. Today, we were a bit unlucky when Anuar had a broken bike but hopefully we still have a good chance in the other stages," said the team's new coach, Julian John Winn.

"For tomorrow's climb, it will be a hard climb to Genting. I have to meet the riders tonight and discuss our strategy," he said.