(L-R) Alexander Hofner, Ahmad
Jawaahir Hj Johor, Muhd
Shahrizan Shaiful Rizal and
Fabian Geissenberger posing
for a picture during the Tour
de l'Abitibi Desjardins in
Canada. Both Brunei's riders
failed to finish the first
stage of the competition.
Picture: Courtesy of Hj Omar
Hj Mohd Salleh
Ahmad Jawaahir Hj Johor and Muhd Shahrizan Shaiful Rizal are out of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins in Canada.
Neither of the two Bruneian riders managed to finish the first stage of the tour on Tuesday.
The duo that were paired up with two German riders to form the Allemagne-Brunei squad in the junior men's mixed team fell to a grueling 117.2km road race from Amos to Rouyn-Noranda.
German team-mate Fabian Geissenberger also dropped out of the race.
Only Alexander Hofner finished the race, coming in 51st position.
For the Brunei pair it was their first time ever taking part in a tournament of such standard.
National cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin said on Monday that he hoped they would be able to finish the stages because they needed the experience.
"It's a very high level competition and the riders didn't manage to achieve the minimum level on it," said Yafiz.
"I hope they will learn from their mistakes since they are still young and I am looking forward to their next (showing).
"Their morale will be down right now but they have to keep their heads up for future competitions.
"Both of them are 17 years old and still have a lot of time to improve but they have to show their potential to prove they can be good cyclists.
"I just don't want them to give up now because they are still too young," said the coach.
"I hope they can participate again next year to repay what they (failed to do) this time round if the organisers give us another chance," he added.
Team Canada's Hendrik Pineda finished first followed by CF Racing's Peter Goguen in second and Colombie-fundacion Everet's Ansel Dickey in third.
Pineda had an average speed of 42.494km/h to seal his position.
Stage two of the tour will be a 106km ride from La-Sarre to Rouyn-Noranda.
The tour is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union.
It is an international road racing competition for the junior men's category and is seen as one of the most important for young cyclists looking for professional status.
