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19 APRIL 2009, IPOH: Jelajah Malaysia (JM) 2009 which started the first stage witnessed Japanese rider, Makoto IIjima from Bridgestone Anchor proving his worth by winning the first stage from Kuala Selangor to Ipoh.
His victory in today’s stage, a race of total distance of 176.8km meant that he repeated his achievement in the previous JM2007 of winning the first stage from Bentong to Kuantan.
"I managed to break away from the bunch as early as 110km. It was an advantage for me as today’s stage comprise of flats and not so much of climbs," he mentioned today during the winners’ press conference.
He who is a sprinter completed the stage in 3hours 59minutes and 55 seconds followed by Iranian rider Amir Zargari of Azad University Continental while local rider Ahmad Haidar Anuawar who rides for team Trek Marco Polo Cycling in second and third respectively.
Iijima, 38, also kept the yellow jersey as the best overall winner and the polka dot jersey as the King of Mountain as he was the first rider to arrive at the climb zone in Gopeng.
As for the local rider Ahmad Haidar Anuawar who made his debut with the continental team Trek Marco Polo managed to come out of the closet and prove himself as the sprint king in today’s stage.
The rider who originates from Cukai, Terengganu managed to gain 7 points as he was first to arrive at the first sprint zone in Sungai Besar and third at the second sprint zone in Teluk Intan.
"In the early satge of first and second sprint zones, there was a bit of competition between Anuar Manan (Azad University) and I. I will implement today’s strategy in tomorrow’s stage to gain more points," he mentioned.
Ahmad Haidar, 23, who also kept the best Malaysian rider previously represents the national Malaysian team and Le Tua but was overshadowed by the achievements of fellow rider, Anuar.
"I had three years experience working hand-in-hand with Anuar and the both of us know each weakness and capabilities. I hope I get to keep the white jersey until the climb zone in stage 3," he added.
Tomorrow riders will compete in the second stage of 192.7km in distance from Ipoh to Sungai Petani with sprint zones in Kuala Kangsar, Bagan Serai and Lunas.
JM 2009 organised by Ten Speed Events Sdn Bhd features 21 teams comprise of Malaysian National Team, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia B, LeTua Cycling Team, Terengganu Toshiba-Bike Labz, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA), Azad University Continental Team (Iran), Savings & Loan Cycling Team (Australia), Shimano Racing Team (Japan), Polygon Sweetnice Team (Indonesia), Tabriz Petrochemical Team (Iran), Aisan Racing Team (Japan), Ride Sport Racing (Australia), Giant Asia Cycling Team (Taiwan), Bridgestone Anchor (Japan), Trek Marco Polo Cycling Team (China), Doha Team (Qatar), Tinelli Colossi Cycling (New Zealand) dan JazySports Beacon (Phillipines).
JM 2009 features an eight-stage race of 1,240km in total distance with Stage 1 starting from Kuala Selangor to Ipoh, Stage 2 (Ipoh - Sungai Petani), Stage 3 (Gerik - Tanah Merah), Stage 4 (Pasir Mas - Kuala Terengganu), Stage 5 (Kuala Terengganu - Kuantan), Stage 6 (Kuantan - Bera), Stage 7 (Tanjung Malim - Genting) before ending the tour in a Criterium race in Dataran Merdeka.
