SEA Games: MNCF Opts For 'Nostalgia 2001' Route

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is opting for the 'Nostalgia 2001' route for the road racing discipline in the 2017 SEA Games in the hope of repeating the success achieved 15 years ago. MNCF president Abu Samah Abd Wahab who announced the matter said the decision on picking the route in Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan was tabled and passed at the federation's executive council meeting on Nov 19. "In the 2001 SEA Games, the race involved 180km with 15 rounds, but this time the distance has been shortened to 150km. If the other countries ask it to be increased to 180km. we will have to re-study the matter," he said in a statement here Friday. In 2001, Malaysia swept the first four places followed by Filipino riders but the Philippines were awarded the bronze because SEA Games Federation rules do not allow the hosts to take all three medals. Mohd Azlan Jamaluddin took the gold, Wong Ah Thiam the silver while the bronze was awarded to Arnel Quirimit (of the Phlippines). Tsen Seong Hoong, who was the gold medallist at the 1995 Games had come in third and Musairi Musa fourth. MNCF is the national governing body of cycle racing in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA