SETIAWANGSA, 19 October 2019 – Kinan Cycling Team’s Marcos Garcia Fernandez kept his calm to clinch a well deserved overall win in the yellow jersey competition after a thrilling final day of racing at the inaugural Tour of Peninsular (ToP) today.

The 151.4km fifth and final stage from Kuala Lipis to Wangsa Walk was won by Team Sapura Cycling’s Christian Raileanu in 3:19:12s with Mohammadesmaeil Chaichiraghimi (Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan) and Malaysia National Team’s Sofian Nabil Omar coming in second and third.

There was a lot of movement in the peloton from the start but Garcia’s 3:02s lead from yesterday remained unscathed as he finished 35th, 14 seconds behind Raileanu.

Garcia thus becomes the first ever winner of the Tour de Peninsular, an achievement he cherishes.

“The start of the stage today was a little bit crazy but when we settled down we managed to control the race,” said Garcia.

“Of course I am very happy to win this tour, especially as this is the first year of the race (ToP). I love racing in Malaysia because the people are nice and they always support us.

“I don’t make the decision but if the team comes back to race in ToP again next year I will definitely come because this place is special to me.”

Sofian Nabil was equally delighted with his performance as he delivered Malaysia’s second podium result of the tour after Danieal Haikkal Edy Suhaidee. Danieal placed third in the first stage.

“I attacked from about 60km from the finish and was with a group of three riders along with Raileanu three km from the end,” said Sofian Nabil.

“I was not able to follow him (Raileanu) when he attacked but I am still happy because we (Malaysia) had only targeted one podium here.

“This is a good result for us especially with the Sea Games coming up next.”

The teams and riders that won prize money were paid in cash at their team hotels today, a move which the organiser Motoshoot Event Sdn Bhd believes is important to build a positive reputation for the race.

ToP is Malaysia’s first ever UCI 2.1 category race.