Glory Chai takes KMBSC overall crown

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KUCHING: Kuching Mountain Bike Series’ points leader Glory Chai took the overall crown Sunday after the race series’ last race at Bau.

Racing at Bau’s Kampung Serasot, the Team Bike Emporium/Giant rider had a stranglehold on the championship and only had to finish in the top ten to take home the title.

Team 3GX’ Lee Yong Hui, the nearest challenger, had a mathematical chance of winning the title but it was not to be as he trailed in third.

“I am happy I managed to finish second in the series. To overtake Glory for the title was next to impossible as he had too big a lead,” said Lee, who owns Thong Hin Cycles.

He will be racing in KK this weekend in the Promenade Hotel-sponsored KK Century Race.

Team Corbusier’s Laurel Lauridsen Adrian was the winner Sunday as he tuned up for the Health race, Kuching’s biggest road event of the year.

He was pleased with victory, his first of the series.

“That was challenging, more like an adventure race,” said the team captain.

“It was two hours on and off the saddle with running and carrying the bike,” he added.

Laurel finished fourth in the overall standings behind Chai’s teammate Alex Wong, who was second in Sunday’s race.

Entering the race, Wong was contending with Sonamu’s Mohd. Azhar Bujang for third in the final standings.

His second placing at Serasot gave him the edge over Azhar.

The Sonamu rider was disappointed with his sixth placing in the final race of the series as two wrong turns put paid to his chances.

“I really think if I had not got lost twice, I had a good chance of finishing in the top three and fight for third in the series,” said Azhar, who won the series’ third race at Singai.

He had to console himself with fifth in the series.

Azhar’s disappointment was salved somewhat by the performance of their junior rider Wan Haikal Wan ABu Bakar who won his event and the championship.

“I think he is one of the best Sarawak juniors after Garry Tay. His improvement is tremendous as he just started racing this April,” said Azhar.

The Sematang teen won three of the series’ races – at Baki, Singgai and Bau.

Corbusier coach Supian Nor won Sunday’s masters race with the overall title going to Saxon Racing’s Patrick George after a consistent performance in the series’ four races.

The inaugural series certainly help to light up the drab cycling scene in Kuching.

It was a grassroots effort led by entrepreneur and outdoorsman Goh Seng Kee who put together the organising team with sponsorship from bike manufacturer Giant, amongst others.

Lee Yong Hui is one who is hopeful the series returns next season.

“I am sure they will do this again next year. For me, I hope I can do even better in the next series,” said Lee.