PUTRAJAYA - It was Shahrin’s sheer determination which led to his win in the inaugural Putrajaya Challenge 2011 with an impressive time of 1hr29m50s making him the champion in the men’s elite category of the Cross Country event held today at the Putrajaya Challenge Park.
He edged out 4 minutes ahead of second-placed Mohd Rafiuddin Zakaria (01hr33m41s) while Muhammad Raihaan Abd Aziz (01hrs33m58s) claimed third place respectively, both from Brunei Darussalam.
The 27 year old national mountain biker, already had his strategy planned out, he broke free right from the start and kept his pace right to the end. “I was ready to distance myself in the very start and when I reach the technical sections I was very careful because the route is very steep and dangerous.” He said.
‘Today’s race is very challenging, the trail are very technical and considered the best in Asia, competition here is fierce but I was very careful with the other riders.’ added Shahrin.
Shahrin hopes that after his performance he will be chosen to represent Malaysia to compete in bigger events. “My target for sure is to compete in the Sea Games in Indonesia if given a chance, two years ago I was chosen but there were some technical issues to be sorted and right now I will do my best.”
He also commended the organisation for choosing such a great track, “The trail here (Putrajaya Challenge Park) is really great, it’s the best as the training ground for mountain bike.”
The prize-giving ceremony was attended by MR Muhammad Fauzi Ahmad, Region Event and Sponsorship Manager of F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd who presented the prizes for all the category winners of the cross country event.
Putrajaya Challenge Event Director, En Mohd Nezzam Abd Malek is very happy with the turnout this year. “The number of entries for both downhill and cross country events was very encouraging, over 300 participants is a great start, and I do hope that next year we will have more international riders competing.”
“I would like to thank the sponsors who supported our event and also Putrajaya Municipal Council for preparing such a great location where the organisation and facilities provided is world-class, I hope that mountain bike enthusiasts and fans could come and experience firsthand the challenging route that have been specially created.” He added.
Putrajaya Challenge 2011 is jointly organized by the Putrajaya Cycling Association and Bat’s Creative Sdn Bhd, all the Downhill and Cross Country events are conducted in accordance with the International Cycling Union (UCI) regulations. Sponsors of the event are Fish Castle, Milo, PowerBar, 100 Plus, Gardenia, Shimano, Rodalink, Haslam Food and Beverage, and Wheelsport Management.
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