DEBAK: Sabahan rider Laurel Lauridsen has dominated the Saribas International MTB Jamboree, tackling rugged trails and village obstacles to claim Men’s Open gold and RM1,200 cash prize.
Representing Ghostspeed Racing Team, Laurel completed the Men’s Open in 1 hour 29 minutes 21 seconds, leaving Bintulu’s Mohd Zakwan Zamahari of the Sarawak Development Team second at 1 hour 31 minutes 10 seconds.
Aidil Syahmizam Abdul Rahim of Tugau Vaie Cycling Team placed third with 1 hour 35 minutes 59 seconds.
Second and third-place finishers received RM1,000 and RM800 respectively.
Laurel, 34, said endurance and determination were key to victory.
“Even though it’s tough, if we feel it’s tough, others feel it too. So we push ourselves. That’s what makes it a challenge.
“The spirit of the villagers gave us the motivation to keep pedalling,” Laurel told Sarawak Tribune today (Oct 12).
He described the race as a test of patience and perseverance.
Originally from Kota Kinabalu, Laurel has been riding mountain bikes since he was 14. Now based in Kuching, he promotes the sport and previously served as a coach for Sarawak’s Malaysia Games (SUKMA) mountain bike programme.
In the Women’s category, Nurfara Ain Nabiela Abdullah Hafiz from Bintulu, representing Tugau Vaie Cycling Team, finished first in 1 hour 50 minutes 30 seconds.
Joy Meiting from Kuching was second at 1 hour 54 minutes 48 seconds, while third place went to Nur Ain Ramadhania Abdullah from Saratok, representing Betong Cycling Association, with 1 hour 56 minutes 1 second.
Prizes in the Women’s category included RM800 for first place, RM600 for second, and RM400 for third.
Eight categories were contested over the 36.5-kilometre course, including Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Master A, Master B, Super Master, Super XL, Betong Closed, and Junior.
Among the category winners, Teo San Kui of Team Elite from Kuching claimed the Super Master title, while Amir Asyraff Jamin from Saratok, representing D3 Apex Cycling Club, took the Betong Closed crown. Muhammad Muhaimin Zamzuri of Tugau Vaie Cycling Team from Bintulu emerged victorious in the Super XL category.
Muhammad Nurjamri Johari of Randonee Team Brunei took top spot in Master A, while Yong Chee Peng of Giant Racing Team from Kuching claimed Master B honours.
