Selangor battle headwinds to claim first team time trial Sukma gold
SEPANG: Selangor stunned favourites Terengganu and Johor in what was arguably the upset of the tournament to clinch a historic victory in the men’s team time trial road cycling event at the Selangor Malaysia Games here today.
SEPANG: Selangor routed favored teams Terengganu and Johor in a surprising triumph, securing a momentous win in the men's team time trial road cycling competition at the Selangor Malaysia Games. The 39.3-kilometer course, which began and concluded in Bagan Lalang, was conquered by Fahmi Saharil, Hareez Naufal Syanizam, Darwisy Hakimi Zarin, Zamirul Azrezza Zulkefli, and Nasrul Firas Ridzuan in 47 minutes and 33.833 seconds.
Although Terengganu's Saniy Syuaib Mohd Safiee and team finished second, 17.195 seconds behind, while Johor's Faris Iskandar Saiful Bahari and team came in third, 38.683 seconds off the pace. This victory was particularly emotional for Selangor's team captain Nasrul, 21, who is taking part in his third and final Sukma edition. Nasrul expressed his overwhelming joy, stating, "I feel so grateful right now.
As soon as we were announced as the winners, I just got choked up with emotion, just tears of joy." The team had not claimed any medals in road cycling for the past two editions, so this gold in the team time trial event meant a great deal to them, as they had diligently prepared for the competition. Selangor initially trailed Terengganu for the first half of the course but gained ground on the return leg.
Being a coastal route, wind played a significant role in the time trial. Nasrul acknowledged that they had been well-prepared and realized that the return leg, facing a headwind, would determine the outcome of the race. The team remained committed to adding more golds to their haul, as the mass start road race would offer two golds the following day—individual and team events.
Their focus would be on the team category, as the route would be relatively flat with a brief ascent at Salak Tinggi. However, Nasrul cautioned that the race might not end in a bunch sprint and advised teams to be vigilant for breakaways, which could conclude in a small group. The winners of the team event would be determined by the best three rider finish times from each team.
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