KUALA UMPUR: National team rider Kee Zhe Yie proved that he has a bright future after an impressive ride in the third stage of Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) today.
The 19-year-old rookie was the first Malaysian to cross the summit finish at Genting Highlands, placing 39th (+13:12s) overall on the day.
The Dungun-born rider said he was pleased with his performance considering he has never competed in the ProSeries tour before.
"My coach (Yusof Nasir) told me to go all out and try and get the 'best Malaysian rider' title today," said Zhe Yie.
"The plan was to try and go to the front and just hang on for as long as I could. It was a very challenging climb.
"This is the first time I am representing the national team so for me it is a decent start."
Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team's (TSG) Nur Aiman Zariff retained control of the red jersey today after claiming the two early categorised climbs at Bukit Hantu and Ampang Look Out Point. He now has 29 points to his name.
Aiman will have the chance to take a breather tomorrow as there are no categorised climbs in the fourth stage from Sabak Bernam to Meru Raya (137.9km) though it will feature three intermediate sprints at Hutan Melintang, Kampung Gajah and Tanjung Tualang.