Kencana SIC Bikeathon 2012

It's not often that you get the chance to race alongside professional cyclists from Champion System, Terengganu Pro-Asia, OCBC Singapore and the New Zealand National Team. I was really looking forward to a good race but alas that was not to be. 


Got off to a bad position and was chasing the race right from the gun. Disappointed with myself for not paying enough attention and faced with a mountain to climb. Chased for 2 laps but couldn't latch on to the peloton. Worse showing in this event over the past 3 years.


Racing morale is kind of low at the moment. Less than 20 mins of racing after 2 events.


The race was eventually won by Anuar Manan (Champion System) in a sprint finish.


Date : 19 February 2012
Route : 5.5 km loop around Sepang Formula 1 Circuit
Distance : 10 laps
Type : Criterium
Weather : Sunny

Petaling Jaya - Lukut - Damansara Heights

A hot day ride with Adzim, Faisaal, Razali, JK, Terry and Adeline to Lukut and back. Temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius on the way back. I had to take some ice from the Petronas station to cool myself.

The key to surviving long rides such as this is to plan for the food intake. I was continuously eating my rice cakes, PowerBar and bread (2 with Nutella, 1 with cream cheese, Turkey ham and Parmesan cheese) as I rode. I added a Roti Canai, Coffee and Coke when we reached Lukut. It's fine to feel stuffed on the way there and have energy left to ride home.

Date : 11 February 2012
Route : Petaling Jaya - Lukut - Damansara Heights
Distance : 180km
Terrain : Flat, Rolling
Weather : Sunny

KESAS Highway Loop

Flat and quick ride on Motobike lane which can be done in less than 1 hour. Refreshments are available at petro stations on both side on the highway. Cyclists favours this on weeknights after work. I do this on Wednesday night with the Merida group. Ride starts at 8.30 p.m.

Route : Sunway Extreme Park - KESAS Highway - Bukit Jalil - The Summit
Distance : 27km
Terrain : Flat

US Federal Government Drops Case Against Lance Armstrong

I guess Lance Armstrong will forever be clouded in controversy regardless of the outcome. On Friday, the United States Federal Government has closed the investigation into the accusations of systematic doping within his team, US Postal. The arguement will continue whether you think this is a vindication of a clean champion or that he did doped and for reason unknown to us, the US Federal Government  decided to drop the case (Lance's political influence? His massive legal team? or too much time and money required?). The divided view on Lance Armstrong is also reflected here by The Inner Ring.


World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) will pick up the case on whether there was doping violation (unlike the Federal Government investigation into whether fraud was involved).

Like millions of people, I was inspired by Lance Armstrong to pick up road cycling after reading his biography, It's Not About The Bike and I have continued to read and find out as much as I can about this facisnating cyclist. After all this, I now share the view of Bill Strickland (you can read his article) that he was a great cyclist whether he doped or not. We may never know, but I don't find it any good to see Lance in jail either. He has done a lot to give hope to cancer patients all over the world and the matter of doping in professional cycling is never been a black and white case. But what I do hope for is a closure to that cycling era and move on with the future.

KL Midnight Challenge 2012

Route

First race of the year and I crashed within the first lap. Right from the start, the pace was high as Anuar Manan (Champion System) and Amir Mustapha (PDRM) tried to breakaway, which they eventually did after Lap 1.


A rider sprinted from my left to the right at the straight and even as I tried to move away, I could not avoid him touching my front wheel. The riders behind managed to avoid as I can crashing down on my right side. I sustained some road rash on the right thigh and arm. Though I am able to continue riding and my bike was not damaged, the chase group was long gone and there was no chance for me to rejoin.

The race was won by Amir Mustapha with Anuar Manan second. There was never a chance for the chase group to catch the two.


Race videos can be viewed at my youtube channel (limleonard1976)


Date : 3 February 2012
Route : 4 km loop around Tasik Permaisuri, Cheras
Distance : 40km
Type : Night Criterium
Weather : After rain. Road mostly dry.

Damansara Jaya - Ulu Langat - Damansara Utama

Federal Territory Day, a public holiday for those who works in KL. Group ride with Adzim, JK and Faisaal from PJ to Ulu Langat.

Date : 1 February 2012
Route : Damansara Jaya - Ulu Langat - Damansara Utama
Distance : 130km
Terrain : Flat, Medium Climb
Weather : Sunny
Climbs :  Bukit Hantu (3.3km, gradient 6.6%), Peres (8.9km, gradient 3.1%), Ampang Hill (4.6km, gradient 3.6%)

Cycling Accident At Putrajaya : Irrelevant Comment From The Police & A More Sensible One From The Minister

Right after the cycling accident involving our national riders during a race simulation at Putrajaya, the Chief Police from Putrajaya District gave a completely irrelevant statement to the press telling cyclists to obey traffic rules, ride with lights at the front and back, and also encouraged to wear reflective gear. Didn't he know it was a race simulation done in the morning with the assistance of the police and marshalls? He clearly has no idea what the accident was about and the comments only made a fool out of him. For such a statement to come out of a top cop, it goes to shows how little consideration is given to cyclist whenever an accident does involve them.

Putrajaya District Chief Police statement from Harian Metro

The good news is, the Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek requested for a detailed investigation on how the car can ram through the peloton without any evasive measure. He also advise other road users to share the road with cyclists.

Youth and Sports Minister comment from New Straits Times