KUALA LUMPUR: Competing in the New Straits Times C-Cycle Challenge will be extra special for blogger Datuk Ahirudin Attan, as he will not only be cycling side by side with his daughter, the event also brings him nostalgia of his days as an NST business editor.
Ahirudin, popularly known as Rocky, said he was looking forward to the challenge as NST has been a part of his life for more than 20 years.
“It is nostalgic for me. It is good to come back and take part in this event which shows that NST still knows how to keep with the times,” the 55-year-old said.
Ahirudin would be competing in the 160km race with his 22-year-old daughter, Ahirine, supporting her to achieve a podium finish.
“Next year, when I am stronger and better, I will go for the podium finish. This year, I will leave it to my daughter as I am here to enjoy myself,” he said, jesting that he was merely a chaperone to Ahirine, who persuaded him to join her in the race.
“In terms of preparation, we cycle like we always do. She (Ahirine) had an accident three weeks ago, so she has not been able to train as much as she should.
“We went to Langkawi for a short ride last week, but we have to take it easy and pace ourselves properly for the 160km race.”
The duo are aiming to finish in under six hours.
Ahirine said she hoped to complete the race, as her last century ride three weeks ago went unfinished after she crashed.
Ahirudin told the NST that there were few sports he could do with his children and cycling was one of them.