Kuala lumpur: World-class cycling team, Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), is fielding six riders to compete in the Tour de Kumano in Japan, which begins tomorrow. TSG Chief Operating Officer Nasiruddin Wan Idrus said that the team includes three international and three local riders. They will face four stages of racing, covering a total distance of 465.6 kilometers, starting in Inami and finishing in Taiji.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the team, led by coach Mohd Saiful Anuar Aziz, has set a target of two podium finishes for this Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2-rated tour. "The riders involved are Fergus Browning, James Gardner, Zeb Kyffin, Nur Aiman Rosli, Muhammad Nur Aiman Nohd Zarrif, and Muhammad Qayyim Mohd Saipul Anuwai," said Nasiruddin. He highlighted the challenges posed by the hilly and technical route and noted the inclusion of new rider Muhammad Qayyum, who previously raced with the TSG Academy.

Nasiruddin further mentioned that TSG, based in Kuala Terengganu, is currently ranked as the third-best team in Asia/Continental and the 33rd best in the world. The team is optimistic about reclaiming the "King of Asia" title, which they held for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024. "So far, we have successfully collected 789 points from 12 race series worldwide. Alhamdulillah, we have managed to move up one spot from last week. With over 20 race series remaining, we will strive to collect as many points as possible to seize back the Asian champion title before the season concludes this October," he said.

Nasiruddin also identified the Li Ning Star team from China and Roojai Insurance Winspace from Thailand as their closest challengers in the race to reclaim the Asian title.