KUALA LANGAT: Former Iranian junior cyclist Sajad Jafarnasab capped off his three-month stint in Malaysia on a high note.
The 25-year-old joined four of his friends to represent a Malaysian pro-team — Plomo Dr Dagoo — in the New Straits Times C-Cycle Challenge 2018 yesterday.
He said he loved every minute of the 160km Century Ride, which took participants through scenic coastal and rural terrain in central Selangor.
“The weather was great. Probably because we are in the rainy season, so it was a bit cool. It could have been worse,” said Sajad, who spoke through a translator.
He said he had competed with the Iranian national team for about eight years.
Sajad, however, smiled when he talked about his time in Malaysia. After three months, he admitted that he was falling in love with its people.
“I love Malaysia. It is a very interesting country to live in, especially due to the multiracial and multireligious society.”
Scottish cyclist Andrew Carr, 34, said the race would have been more interesting and challenging if the routes included hilly areas.
“The routes were flat, hence it was not that interesting or challenging. I believe there should be more than one marshal deployed, especially at the roundabout to guide riders,” he said after finishing the race in five hours.
A total of 90 marshals, either placed at one spot or riding superbikes, were deployed throughout the event.
Carr said he had been living in Malaysia for about a year and participated in several cycling events.