Sunday, November 1, 2009

Hafiz, Elde Tops Mountain Bike Challenge at Sepang Motocross Track
 
National cyclist Mohd Hafiz Rosli dominated proceedings at the inaugural Four Cross Mountain Bike and Cross Country at Sepang Motocross Circuit; winning the cross country category in grand style as he lapped every rider in the final race.
 
The four cross category was won by Sarawakian Elde Sharkawi of ROAM Racing Club, who was equally impressive to pen himself as the first winner of a four-cross mountain bike race to be staged in Malaysia.
 
Preparing himself for the upcoming Mont Kiara International Mountain Bike Challenge later this month, Hafiz of Le Tua Cycling Team pushed himself all the way throughout the 10-lap race around the rugged 1-kilometer motocross track as he led throughout the race from flag to flag.
 
Finishing in an impressive hand-timed 20 minutes 40 seconds and competing under sweltering heat, Hafiz passed second placed Zamzi Mohd in the final lap before deciding to drop his tempo to the chequered flag. His team-mate from Le Tua, Lim Yew Meng came in third.
 
“I have not been riding mountain bike for quite some time … so, I really wanted to test myself. So, I pushed myself to the limit. It’s also my preparation for the Mont Kiara race which I really want to do well. I came in second last year; but disqualified after the organizers accepted a protest from one of the riders.
 
“My bike had some problems during the race and my team helped me fix the bike, which I now know that it was illegal. I could have repaired the bike myself if I knew about it. Anyway, it’s all history now and I aim to win this time round in Mont Kiara,” said Hafiz, who would be competing in the Tour of Hainan road race in China in the middle of the month with his Le Tua Cycling Team.
 
Commenting on his victory, the 29-year old Elde said that he was proud to win; adding that he had been preparing for the event since he came to know about it. In fact, he was seen practising at the motocross track a few days before the event.
 
“I sincerely hope this event would grow. It’s a good spectator event. Fans can really watch and enjoy the races, which are short, fast and exciting. It has all the ideal elements to attract crowd … unlike the downhill, which is more for the excitement of the competitors.
 
In the final run, Elde, who had been cycling actively for the past 15 years, took 38.38 seconds to complete the 400-meter obstacle to beat Jamer Iskandar Shah, Harris Hassan and Mohd Adib.   
 
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, chief organiser Mohd Khairzami Khairuddin promised a bigger and more exciting event with more prize money to attract more competitors.
 
“We at Tujuh Impian Events aim to make this a major event in the cycling calendar and hope the four cross race will grow into an international event in Malaysia. We hope to see all of you here again next year,” added Khairzami.