The 27th edition of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is set to begin on September 23rd, 2023, with two riders named Aiman sure to attract the attention of cycling fans.
Muhammad Nur Aiman Zariff of the Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) will be out to land a hat-trick of King of Mountain red polka dot jerseys after winning it in 2020 and 2022.
Even though Aiman is not considered a pure climber, his skill in strategizing by picking up crucial points in the easier climb zones prior to the big ones has allowed him to succeed.
Aiman is expected to be involved in the early action of Stage 1, either making an early break or being at the front of the peloton.
Being able to stand on the podium as early as the first stage in his home state, and in front of TSG’s die-hard fans, would be a huge boost for Aiman as he faces the more challenging stages ahead.
Aiman is also surrounded by a strong team that can help him succeed in his mission, including Mongolian-born Jambaljamst Sainbayar, Youcef Reguigui (Algeria), and Jeroen Meijers (Netherlands).
In contrast, Malaysia national team’s Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli will be making his LTdL debut this year and will be looking to improve the national team rankings.
Two Aimans to Watch Out For at PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2023
The four-time national Individual Time Trial champion admitted that his strategy on the two downhill stages will be to use his time trial expertise to find space to lead Mohamad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil or Zulhelmi Zainalto the front group when approaching the finish line.
More importantly, Aiman together with Muhammad Zawawi Azman, Shaiful Adlan Shukri, and Muhsin Al Redha Misbah will be out to take on Stage 3 (Jeli-Baling, 183.1km) and Stage 5 (Slim River-Genting Highlands, 126.4km) which will be their main targets.
The national squad has been training hard for the past two months, with an average ride of about 1,000km per week. They have also tried both difficult stages during their training sessions.
The 24-year-old former Team Sapura Cycling rider is determined to leave a big impact in this year’s LTdL 2023 so as to attract other professional teams to his ability.
Regardless of their personal missions, both Aimans will be hoping for the support and enthusiasm of the local fans throughout the entire distance of 1,278.1km of the race this year.
MALAYSIAN TT Specialist Mohamad Izzat Hilmi to Lead National Team at LTdL 2023
PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2023 with the theme ‘Beat The Heat’ is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through the National Sports Council (MSN) and the support of the National Cycling Federation of Malaysia (PKBM), starts in Kerteh, Terengganu on September 23 and ends at the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers (KLCC) on 30 September.
LTdL 2023, with a ProSeries status, will travel through 11 of the 12 states in the Peninsula, covering a total distance of 1,278.1km.
A total of 132 riders representing 2 WorldTeam teams, 8 ProTeam teams, 11 Continental teams, and one national team will participate.
