Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1727960161:22
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 234
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 230081
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 22
        )

    [onesignal_meta_box_present] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [onesignal_send_notification] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_modify_title_and_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_notification_custom_heading] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [onesignal_notification_custom_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => English
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-176831
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-176831
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:164:"Once an underdog, Rajen overcame countless challenges to become a key force behind world-class cycling teams, inspiring a new generation of Malaysians to dream big ";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 601
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_focuskw] => Array
        (
            [0] => LTdL
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_linkdex] => Array
        (
            [0] => 47
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 60
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1753551298";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:17;i:1;}}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 5
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1753551298
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

)
From Malaysia to the world: Rajen Murugayan’s journey of grit and glory in global cycling | Scoop
Rajen Murugayan is currently accompanying Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as a mechanic for the US-based World Team, EF Education-EasyPost. - Adam Zamri/Scoop pic, October 3, 2024
Sports

From Malaysia to the world: Rajen Murugayan’s journey of grit and glory in global cycling

Once an underdog, Rajen overcame countless challenges to become a key force behind world-class cycling teams, inspiring a new generation of Malaysians to dream big

Main Author Image
Adam Zamri
Updated
9:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA KUBU BAHRU – M. Kumaresan, one of Malaysia’s cycling legends, is a name that needs no introduction, with appearances at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

Yet, his older brother, Rajen Murugayan, remains less known despite playing a pivotal role behind the scenes for several world-class cycling teams.

Rajen is currently accompanying Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as a mechanic for the US-based World Team, EF Education-EasyPost.

This marks his sixth year with the team, where he was instrumental in Simon Carr’s victory last season, making Carr the first British rider to win LTdL in 27 years.

Speaking to Scoop, Rajen reflected on how his journey in Europe began 24 years ago when he received an offer to work with the German team, Gerolsteiner.

“It took a long time for them to accept me as an Asian working in a European team. The manager of Gerolsteiner knows my brother, and working with Germans is not easy because they are very particular.

“It’s not just about fixing the bike; you need to be knowledgeable and smart. If you can show them that you can do the job, you will earn their respect.

“No doubt, they treat us Asians as second-class citizens or as people from third-world countries, but I told my manager not to treat me that way.

“The first time I went there, it took me a long time to adapt. The food and culture were different, and people didn’t talk to you. I almost wanted to give up.

“But I persevered because I really wanted to gain experience and, most importantly, earn money. I was a bachelor at that time; if I had been married, I wouldn’t have gone there.

“Maybe my talent as a cyclist isn’t really there, but I’m proud of what I’m doing now. I’ve been to all the major races,” said Rajen.

At 60 years old, Rajen has had a long and distinguished career, moving on from Team Sky (2010-2018) to EF Education-EasyPost.

Over more than two decades, he has gained experience in prestigious races such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, working with renowned riders like Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.

For this year’s LTdL, Rajen has two crew members assisting him with maintaining the EF Education-EasyPost team’s bikes. His main task is ensuring that all bikes are in optimal condition for each race.

Rajen hopes to inspire more Malaysian mechanics to seek international opportunities.

“In today’s modern era, you need to be knowledgeable, and secondly, language skills are essential because you must adapt to the culture and learn to be independent, putting all these elements together.

“On television, it may seem like an easy job, but the reality is there’s a lot of hard work behind it.

“Sometimes, you have to work 16 to 18 hours just to make sure the bike is in perfect condition, but it all depends on the day,” he added. – October 3, 2024

Topics

 

◉ Popular

Can Malaysians be more friendly? Country 24th in friendliness, welcome for expats

2024 ranking a slide from 15th spot in previous year, locals in Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand easier to befriend

No bad blood with BAM: James Chua to lead Czech Republic badminton team

Former Malaysia Open champion clarifies his resignation, citing career growth as he prepares to take on the head coach role in Europe next month

With revised guidelines, X now allows ‘consenting’ adult content and nudity 

Adult content on the app must be labelled and not prominently displayed in profile pictures or account banners

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.