KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Pro Cycling's (MPC) Zulfikri Zulkifli is looking forward to locking horns with some of the best riders in the pro peloton when he makes his Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) debut on Sept 29-Oct 6.
Zulfikri is one of the most exciting new talents currently coming up the ranks in Malaysia.
The 24-year-old had previously been more focused on mountain biking (MTB) but has shown glimpses of his potential on the road after finishing third in the fifth stage of the Tour of Thailand (UCI 2.1) in April.
The Dungun-born also won gold in the men's cross country eliminator at the Asian MTB Championships in May, capping what was a history feat for the national squad in Putrajaya. Malaysia won two gold and three bronzes in what was a best-ever performance from the national MTB squad.
Zulfikri said he never imagined he would race in LTdL, which is a UCI ProSeries level tour.
"I never thought I would be selected in the LTdL squad to be honest," said Zulfikri recently.
"I guess it was because I was able to finish third (in stage) at the Tour of Thailand.
"Racing on the road is very different from competing in MTB and I have had to adapt in some areas.
"I am looking forward to helping our team fight for the Asian teams classification. I am confident we can do it if we give it everything we have.
"I am a bit nervous about riding with the WorldTour riders but at the same time am looking forward to it. I will definitely give it my all."
MPC team principal Sayuti Zahit earlier this week said their goal for LTdL is to fight for the Asian teams classification as well as the podium in the sprint stages.
Besides Zulfikri, Sayuti has also named Zawawi Azman, Fahmi Khairul, Syawal Mazlin, Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah and sprinter Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil in his squad.
A total of three UCI WorldTeams have been confirmed for LTdL this year - Astana Qazaqstan, EF Education-Easypost (United States) and DSM Firmenich PostNL (Netherlands), who had all raced in the Tour de France this year.
A total of seven UCI ProTeams will also be competing in LTdL - Burgos BH, Equipo Kern Pharma, Euskaltel-Euskadi (all Spain), VF Group Bardiani CSF Faizane, Corratec Vini Fantini, Team Polti Kometa (all Italy) and Tudor Pro Cycling (Switzerland).
LTdL will open with a 96.5 kilometre stage at its namesake island, Langkawi on Sunday.