Masziyaton And Razif To Lead Malaysia’s Challenge At Limbc 2013 | LIMBC Malaysia 2014

LANGKAWI (Sept 29): Three-time Langkawi International Mountain Bike Championship (LIMBC) 2013 top Malaysian women rider Masziyaton Mohd Radzi is gunning for a top five overall finish when the competition starts on Monday.

The 25-year-old from Kedah has never missed an LIMBC edition since the championship started in 2010. During the first year, she also won the women’s overall title, before emerging sixth in 2011 and ninth last year. Despite the presence of a world class field for LIMBC 2013 featuring some of the top mountain bike riders in the world, Masziyaton is targeting a top five overall finish.

“My multiple aim this week is not just to defend my best Malaysian crown, but also emerge on top of the Asian riders list and a top five overall finish,” said Masziyaton, who is riding for the Kedah SPS Giant Team.

“The LIMBC challenge is getting tougher each year, and this year is no exception. To win the best Asian title will not be easy as the top women riders from countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar are competing in Langkawi.”

The national cyclist, who is also utilising the LIMBC 2013 as preparation for the South East Asian Games in Myanmar in December, is targeting the 81km third stage to make a move upwards in the standings. “The third stage, which involves the most climbing, is the toughest stage in the competition. But climbing is my favourite discipline and I intend to do well in the third stage to move into a favourable position in the overall standings.”

In the men’s section, Mohd Razif Salleh believes he can be Malaysia’s top rider after an impressive showing during Saturday’s UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championship series qualifier. Mohd Razif of the Chiru Endurance Team was the best Malaysian finisher in 17th spot after posting a 6’17:39 finish on Saturday.

“Finishing in the top 20 in just my first UCI world series qualifier race has boosted my confidence for the LIMBC 2013 challenge. I intend to do well and claim the best overall Malaysian rider title,” said Razif, who came in second in the category last year.

The reigning men’s champion Fabian Giger of Switzerland, who chose to sit out Saturday’s UCI race, is once again the favourite as he will be fresh for his LIMBC title defence beginning on Monday. “The LIMBC is a tough race with a challenging track, and I hope to do my best and fight for the podium against the many top riders here this year,” said Giger.

The LIMBC 2013 gets underway on Monday with the 2.4km Individual Time Trial, which will start and finish at the Eagle Square in Kuah.

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