KUALA LUMPUR: Young riders and cycling fans from Kelantan have a lot to look forward to with the launch of the new SNC Continental Cycling Team over the weekend.
SNC, who stand for Sweet Nice Continental, are the first continental team to be based in Kelantan and aim to develop promising young talent into world class riders while also contributing to Malaysia's Olympic qualifying ranking points.
The squad feature a mix of young and experienced riders that include the promising Danieal Haikkal Eddy Suhaidee, who finished on the podium in stage one of Tour of Peninsular last year, former Le Tua and Marco Polo rider Ahmad Haidar Anuawar as well as Dutchman Kenny Nijssen and Loic Desriac of France.
Fariman Zulkifli and Teng Soon Sik are the founders-cum-team directors for the team.
SNC adviser Tengku Mahisham Tengku Mustapha said the team hope to make an impact both locally and internationally.
"Without realising it, Kelantan has already produced quality riders such as Wong Ah Thiam, Nik Azwan Zulkifle, Farid Ali, Sayuti Zahid and Loh Sea Keong who are known at the international level," said Tengku Mahisham at the team launch in Kota Baru.
"Kelantan has also produced many other national athletes in the past and we hope to produce more road cycling talent for the country.
"Besides the riders we have presented today, there are still a number of riders who we are currently in discussion with and will make an announcement when they are confirmed."
With the Covid-19 pandemic yet to subside, the team are unlikely to compete in any races abroad this year. The SNC squad, however, hope to compete in 20 tours within Asia in the coming seasons.
Besides SNC, Malaysia also has established continental teams like Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Team Sapura Cycling (TSC) who have achieved considerable success at the Asian level in recent years.