Iran Rider Wins First Stage Of Tour Of Malaysia

IPOH (Perak, Malaysia), Oct 19 (Bernama)-- Rahim Emami of Pishgaman Giant Team set early pace after winning the first stage of 2016 Tour of Malaysia Cycling Championship from Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) in Kuala Lumpur to Medan Meru Bestari in Ipoh, Tuesday. The Iranian rider, 34, finished the 206.5km route in 4'44.5s, ahead of two Filipinos, Rustom Lim and Edgar Nohales Nieto (7 Eleven Sava RBP Philippines) who posted an identical time of 4'44.23s. Judges, however, awarded Rustom second place based on a photo finish. Rahim won the yellow jersey as overall leader and the blue jersey as the sprint king, after gathering 15 points in three sprint zones in Serendah, Bidor and Kampar. Speaking after the prize giving ceremony, Rahim said he was very delighted with the win which was achieved under the blazing sun. "I'm very excited to win this stage. Our team, only arrived at 2pm yesterday (Monday) and thus lack preparation. The race was tough as it was a long distance." "Our riders expect more positive results from stage two tomorrow (Wednesday) as the race will involve hilly zones," Rahim said through an interpreter. Stage two from Infoternak in Sungai Siput to Brinchang in Cameron Highlands (108.7km), involves two sprint zones (Tambun and Gopeng) and two climb zones (Kampung Raja and Brinchang). Meanwhile, Nur Amirul Fakhruddin Marzuki who won the red jersey for being the best Malaysian rider described his success as a bonus. The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider finished fourth overall with a time of 4'45.18s. "My aim was to climb the podium but it was not meant to be," he added. -- BERNAMA