KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian riders shone on the final day of the XCO Helaz Mountain Bike Series One in Dungun, Terengganu today.
Nur Fitrah Shaari, representing Kedah, emerged victorious in the women's elite race, crossing the finish line at Bukit Chatak in a time of one hour, 21 minutes and 23 seconds.
Philippines' Shagne Paula Yaoyao, bronze medallist at last year's Phnom Penh Sea Games, came in second (1:22:27s) while Nur Deena Safia Nor Effandy (Helaz Cycling Team) was third (1:24:13s).
The men's elite race was won by Indonesian Zaenal Fanani (Thilfactoryracing-bolo1000) who clocked 1:13:20s while Helaz Cycling Team duo Syawal Mazlin (1:14:49s) and Zulfikri Zulkifli (1:16:40s) came in second and third.
The first leg of the Helaz series, held over two days, attracted 120 riders who competed for a slice of the RM33,000 prize purse.
It was the first time that Malaysia has hosted a UCI Class 2 event for the cross country (XCO) format.
Race director Ronizam Ismail believes the race and the course used will help further develop Malaysian riders.
"The Bukit Chatak XCO Trail, which adheres to UCI standards, is ideal for providing our riders with experience on UCI-standard tracks," said Ronizam.
"We look forward to returning here in the future."
