Kedah’s Women Mountain Bikers Dominate Podium in Dungun

April 20, 2024
Basikal, Sports Insight - English News Section

The Kedah mountain biking team, led by head coach Noor Alfizar Othman (front row – fourth from left, wearing glasses) and team mechanic Nursyuhaini Othman (front row – third from right), showcased their skills at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024. The event took place over two days, starting on April 19, 2024, at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

In an impressive display of skill and endurance, Kedah’s women mountain bikers swept the podium in the Women U23 category at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024, held in Dungun. They secured the top three positions, leaving seven other competitors trailing behind.

Leading the charge was Nur Fitrah Shaari, who clinched first place with a time of 00:42:35. Hot on her heels was Phi Kun A/P Pan, finishing just a second later at 00:42:36. The third spot was taken by Nurul Nabilah Mohd Asri, who also completed the race in 00:42:36. Adding to Kedah’s triumph, Anis Natahsa Ahmad finished fourth, making it a top-four sweep for the team in a field of ten competitors.

Watch on Youtube – https://youtu.be/nSAJ_wsamYQ?si=o3lWnEljuSoaR9Wz

Kedah’s mountain biker Nur Fitrah Shaari (bike number 28), aged 20 (born May 9, 2004), creates a sensation by clinching first place in both the Women Elite and Women U23 categories at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024. The event took place over two days, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

Kedah’s Zahra Afifah Zamri clinches first place with a time of 00:23:39 in the Women Youth category at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024. The event spanned two days, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

Kedah’s Alzarif Aufa Abd Rahman secures third place with a time of 00:26:21 in the Women Youth category at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024. The competition was held over two days, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

Kedah’s mountain biker Phi Kun Pan (bike number 29), aged 21 (born June 1, 2003), races to second place with a time of 00:42:36 in the Women U23 category at the Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024. The event was held over two days, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

Nur Fitrah Shaari didn’t stop there; she went on to claim victory in the Women Elite category with a time of 01:21:23, besting the two-time Filipino national ITT champion, Shagne Paula Yaoyao.

In the Women Youth category, Kedah’s dominance continued. Zahra Afifah Zamri took first place with a time of 00:23:39, creating a 15-second gap ahead of teammate Nur Nabila Johari, who finished in 00:23:54. The third position was secured by Alzarif Aufa Abd Rahma, clocking in at 00:26:21.

***Kedah MTB head coach Noor Alfizar Othman (front row – third from left, wearing glasses) and team mechanic Nursyuhaini Othman (front row – second from right).***

“The performance of Kedah’s cyclists, especially the women in Dungun, has set a high benchmark for our mountain biking development program that has been in place for some time.

“It wasn’t an easy path for any of our riders, but they have proven their capabilities. This international race showcased fierce competition from both local and international cyclists.

“The participation of Kedah’s women in the Women Elite category was incredibly valuable, and Nur Fitrah Shaari’s stunning victory in the Women Elite category, where she outperformed several international riders, marks a significant milestone for us.

“However, this success is just the beginning. We will continue to work hard to ensure our cyclists qualify for the Olympics.

“Having successfully groomed Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, who has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics in keirin and sprint events, my next goal is to develop young cyclists for the 2032 Olympics.

“It is my personal dream to see our country’s women mountain bikers compete on the prestigious Olympic stage,” said Kedah’s head mountain biking coach, Noor Alfizar Othman, in an interview with Penyu Sukan.

These stellar performances by Kedah’s female cyclists highlight their potential as strong contenders for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak this August.
The Helaz Mountain Bike XCO Series 1, 2024, featured four women’s categories and took place over two days from April 19-20 at the Bukit Chatak Circuit in Dungun, Terengganu.

KEDAH MTB RIDERS LIST
HELAZ MOUNTAIN BIKE XCO SERIES 1 2024
LITAR BUKIT CHATAK, DUNGUN.

WOMEN RACER
Nur Fitrah Shaari
Phi Kun Pan
Nurul Nabilah Mohd Asri
Anis Natasha Ahmad
Zahra Afifah Zamri
Nur Nabila Johari
Alzarif Aufa Abd Rahman

MEN RACER
Muhammad Aiman Supri
Ammar Yasir
Muhammad Amer Khuzainifahmi Mohd Farid
Muhammad Azim Azahari
Muhammad Danial Zharfan Mahathir
Mohd Danial Mohd Rizuan
Razin Danish Mohamad Rizuaden