ProTouch rider Rohan Du Plooy beat Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan’s Amirhossein Jamshidan Ghlehsefidi narrowly across the finish line to steal victory at the second stage of Tour of Peninsular (ToP) in Chukai.

Terengganu Inc’s (TSG) Harrif Saleh fought his way to third place on the podium after the 157.4km from Kuala Terengganu to Chukai, within his home state of Terengganu.

Terengganu Inc’s (TSG) Harrif Saleh (right) takes third place on Stage 2 of Tour of Peninsular.

Malaysia’s hot favourite, Team Sapura Cycling’s (TSC) Muhammad Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff took full KOM points at Kijal and his better finishing time saw him taking over the lead in the mountains competition (red jersey) over Indonesia’s Aiman Cahyadi (PGN Road Cycling Team) despite the duo both being on six points.

“The plan from yesterday was to take control of the mountains competition jersey and I am grateful that I was able to do it today,” said Nur Aiman.

“I will try collect as many points as possible tomorrow (stage three) and strengthen my position. I will try my best to keep this jersey for all five stages but the climb up Cameron Highlands will be tough.”

It was a good stage for Malaysian riders, as sterling young talent Danieal Haikkal Edy Suhaidee kept the Best Asian Rider’s white jersey on his shoulders.

Overall leader Elchin Asadov of the Azerbaijan National team also retained the yellow jersey for another stage. Both Danieal and Elchin finished comfortably in the main group.

Stage three today will start in Kuantan and finish in Karak (172.2km) and will feature intermediate sprints at Gambang, Chenor and Temerloh as well as KOM points at Srijaya (Cat 4).

Stage 2 Results

  1. Rohan Du Plooy (ProTouch) – 3:30:43
  2. Amirhossein Jamshidan Ghlehsefidi (Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan)
  3. Mohd Hariff Saleh (Terengganu Inc. TSG Cycling Team)
  • General Classification’s Yellow Jersey – Elchin Asadov (Azerbaijan)
  • Best Sprinter’s Blue Jersey – Rohan du Plooy (Protouch)
  • King of Mountain’s Red Jersey – Muhamad Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff (Team Sapura Cycling)
  • Best Asian Rider’s White Jersey – Muhammad Danieal Haikkal Edy Suhaidee (Malaysia)
  • Best Team – Team Sapura Cycling and Malaysia

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