KUALA LUMPUR: Sprinter Harrif Saleh scored a timely morale booster ahead of this month's Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) after finishing on the podium in the opening stage of the Tour of Taiwan (UCI 2.1) today.
The Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) rider crossed the line second in the sprint finish just behind Aisan's Racing Team's Hayato Okamoto who took the win in one hour, 44 minutes and 46 seconds.
Marcelo Felipe (7 Eleven Cliqq-Air 21 by Road Bike Philippines) finished third in the 83.2km stage which started and ended at the Taipei City Hall.
TSG's Jeroen Meijers, Jambaljamts Sainbayar, Goh Choon Huat and Youcef Reguigui placed out of the top-20 after putting in their shifts for Harrif earlier.
Harrif, who last raced at the Grand Prix Develi (Turkey) in August, was pleased with the result considering he has yet to hit top form.
"It was a really tough race today," said the 34-year-old.
"I haven't raced in a while and my legs felt quite heavy, I have to thank my teammates for their support. It wouldn't have been possible without them."
Harrif will likely have to wait for the fifth and final stage at Dapeng Bay on Friday for another crack at a sprint finish.