Celis triumphs in Kluang

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Vidal Celis (Letua Cycling Team) took victory on stage two of the Jelajah Malaysia with a cleverly-timed effort in the closing metres. The Spaniard anticipated the bunch sprint 300 metres from the line and had time to savour his win ahead of Terengganu Cycling Team pair Anuar Manan and Hariff Salleh.

Iran’s Mehdi Sohrabi (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) retains the overall lead.

After the stage, Celis explained that his team manager had told him that the downhill finishing straight would allow him to launch his sprint from distance.

“It was because of what he said that I sprinted away earlier than anyone else in the group,” Celis said.

The 29-year-old led into the final bend, and from that point he knew that the stage honours were effectively his. “After the turn at the traffic light, I was already in front with the downhill in front of me so that it did not take a lot to finish the race and take the stage.”

In spite of the stage’s length, there was no shortage of willing attackers and the searing early pace saw twelve riders abandon the event. However, in the finale, the race came back together for a bunch finish.

Sohrabi was pleased to maintain his overall lead, but acknowledged that the 204km had taken their toll.

“It was not a very good day for me, I’m very tired,” Sohrabi admitted. “But we are confident for tomorrow and my team will be better.”

Hariff Salleh remains the best-placed of the local riders overall, but the Malaysian was frustrated that his team again missed out on the stage win.

“After two days, we have not yet gotten a stage win,” he said. “I hope that we can do it tomorrow.”

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