Published on: Monday, June 02, 2003 |
Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Cycling Association (SCA) needs to test its women riders further to gauge their true form.
Its secretary, Beatrice Lajawa, said most of the women riders were not prepared for the Sandakan Fest Mountain Bike Challenge on May 28.
They were not ready because they had just completed their second term exams prior to taking part in the race, she said Sunday.
They had less time to practice and this affected their performance in the Sandakan Challenge.
As such, we would be conducting a time trial for cyclists earmarked for the 2004 Sukma in Keningau on June 7, she said.
She was referring to the new talents - Anita Marcus, Laura Avila Adrian, Norhayati Rainin, Britney Adeline, Carolina Adrian and Ummu Sari.
However, Beatrice said Britney and Laura did quite well in the race coming third and fourth respectively in the womens open category.
They (Britney and Laura) managed to beat the two hours 30 minutes mark for the 35km race but the rest were not up to the standard.
Nevertheless, we still think they have the potential and thus we are giving those who didnt make the mark another chance this weekend, she said.
On the Sandakan Challenge, Malaysias top woman mountain biker Wendy Townsing was simply unmatched.
She won first placing followed by veteran mountain runner Hasny Salagan while Laura and Britney came third and fourth respectively.
In the mens open, veteran rider Benny Seah of Labuan won first placing followed by Florens Michael of Tuaran while Guianus Salagan came third.
Our boys fared not too bad considering they were up against some 100 veteran and adult riders, said Beatrice.
She said Hillary Taingin won eighth placing while Jali Lukas came ninth.
She said the riders might be included for the Pahang MTB Challenge on June 22.
If they are up to it, we might bring them along but if they are not, well reserve the next Selangor circuit for them, she said.
Commenting on Wendys performance, Beatrice said the Kiulu-born lasss progress was simply outstanding.
It has been only two months since she went into serious training and yet her progress is very commendable, she said.
Both Wendy and Jali were included in the national mountain bike squad for the Asian Mountain Bike Championship in Amori, Japan in September.
Prior to that, they are set to compete in the local circuits in Pahang, Selangor in July and the final circuit in August in Sarawak.
