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Sukma Sarawak champion Iqbal Daniel sets sights on LTdL debut with Hengxiang Team | Scoop
Iqbal debuts tomorrow in Asia’s oldest cycling race, LTdL, with the Hengxiang Cycling Team from China. — LTdL pic, September 28, 2024
Sports

Sukma Sarawak champion Iqbal Daniel sets sights on LTdL debut with Hengxiang Team

Fresh off two gold medals at Sukma, the young cyclist embraces the challenge of racing against the world’s best in Asia’s oldest cycling event

Main Author Image
Adam Zamri
Updated
5:26 PM MYT

 

LANGKAWI — Muhamad Iqbal Daniel Mohd Nawawi is living the dream, making his debut tomorrow in Asia’s oldest cycling race, the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), and he will be competing with the international Hengxiang Cycling Team from China.

Iqbal made waves in the nation’s cycling scene last month by claiming two gold medals at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) Sarawak in both the men’s individual and team road race events.

The Kemaman-born athlete’s impressive performance quickly caught the attention of several teams, leading to an offer from Hengxiang Cycling to join their roster.

At just 20 years old, Iqbal is fully aware that the challenges awaiting him at LTdL are far greater than those he encountered at Sukma, as he will be competing against some of the world’s top cyclists.

“Alhamdulillah, my cycling career didn’t end with Sukma Sarawak 2024, as I’ve now been given the chance to join a continental-status international team from China for the 2024 Le Tour de Langkawi. This marks my debut on such a prestigious stage.

“Of course, for any cyclist, whether local or international, the ultimate goal is to qualify for races like the Tour de France or the Olympics. But before that, I need to prove myself in renowned, high-level competitions like LTdL as part of my journey to achieving those dreams.

“This time, the challenge is certainly different and much greater compared to my achievements at Sukma Sarawak 2024 or in previous national races. 

“I can’t rest on my past successes if I want to stand out and secure a place on the international stage or with world-class professional teams,” said Iqbal.

His inclusion in the Hengxiang team would not have been possible without the support of his previous coach, Syed Mohd Husaini Syed Mazlan, who is also a former national coach and the legendary Anuar Manan.

“Personally, I’m incredibly grateful to Terengganu’s head coach, Syed Mohd Husain, along with Anuar Manan, who opened the door for me to join Hengxiang Cycling, an effort that began in February this year.

“I also owe my achievements to the other coaches who have shaped me into a professional cyclist from a young age. 

“I’m also thankful for the opportunities and support provided by the Terengganu State Sports Council during my preparation for Sukma. Without the guidance from them and my coaches, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, who have always blessed and supported me since childhood in my journey to become a professional cyclist. It’s been a long road, and there’s still more to come,” he added.

Aside from Iqbal, another Malaysian cyclist competing with an international team at this year’s LTdL is Zulhelmi Zainal, who will race with the Nusantara Cycling Team from Indonesia.

Last year, Hengxiang finished the LTdL in 17th place overall, making them the seventh-best team in Asia. — September 28, 2024

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