KUALA LUMPUR: The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) are hoping their top general classification rider Merhawi Kudus can race for them at this year's Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from Sept 29 to Oct 6.
TSG sporting director Danny Feng said Kudus, who is Eritrean, might have to miss LTdL as it clashes with the UCI World Championships (Sept 21-29).
The Eritrean climber joined TSG at the start of the season.
He previously rode for UCI WorldTeams EF Education-EasyPost (2022-2023), Astana-Premier Tech (2021), Astana Pro Team (2019-2020) and Team Dimension Data (2016-2019).
"At the moment, the plan is to have Merhawi as our leader for LTdL, but this is not 100 per cent confirmed yet," said Danny when contacted recently.
"The dates for LTdL, however, clashes with the world championships.
"Although he wants to compete in LTdL for us, there is also the possibility that he might get called up by Eritrea.
"Representing your country is also very important, so we do not know the final decision yet. Eritrea also have a number of WorldTour riders (they can call up)."
Kudus has had a strong season so far, finishing in the top three in the general classification at the Tour of Turkiye (UCI 2.Pro), Tour of Japan (UCI 2.2) and Tour of Kumano (UCI 2.2).
Danny believed Kudus was relishing his new role with TSG.
"I think he is a phenomenal rider and has shown that he is able to perform at a different level compared to the rest of the riders in the team.
"When he was in the WorldTour teams, he always had to play a supporting role for the bigger name riders.
"But in TSG, he is given leadership (role) and has the support of the team. That is why he has been able to demonstrate amazing results.
"We certainly hope that he will be available for LTdL. His presence in the team also encourages the other riders to raise their performances."
LTdL, which is a UCI ProSeries level race, is always the highlight of the year for Malaysian teams.
TSG are expected to compete alongside fellow UCI continental outfit Malaysia Pro Cycling and the Malaysia national team in LTdL this year.