TERENGGANU - Professional continental outfit Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) have secured 19 sponsorships deals worth RM9.3 million for the new season of the 2022 Asia Tour.
Its executive director Datuk Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abdul Jalil said although many of the world's sports industries were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, TSG was still able to maintain the momentum and secure the confidence of sponsors to continue supporting their activities.
It is further strengthened by TSG's success in winning the 2021 International Cycling Union (UCI) Asia Tour title and being ranked 42nd out of 212 world teams.
“Despite grappling with various difficulties, TSG managed to gain the trust of 19 sponsors including five new sponsors who will contribute in terms of cash, services and materials.
“We really appreciate this support to continue the challenge of the 2022 season which is believed will be more excellent and glorious for the team,” he said after officiating the TSG studio here today.
Also present was TSG chief executive officer Che Ku Izmuddin Che Ku Mahmood.
On the same note, Tengku Farok, who is also Terengganu State Secretary, said TSG were also conducting further discussions with Turkish Airlines, who are interested in being part of the sponsors.
If the collaboration is successful, it will not only benefit TSG, but also the Terengganu tourism sector and Malaysia in general.
“So far the discussions are showing positive developments. They are impressed with TSG's success as Asia's best team, and we are trying to get a win-win deal.
“Besides that, TSG will also continue to make Turkey a training camp location in Europe due to its high-altitude terrain and suitable for building endurance and skills of the riders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tengku Farok also informed about the latest developments of his team which still retains the services of 80 per cent of the riders from last season to shoulder their challenge this season.
It includes eight local riders, namely brothers Zamri and Harrif Saleh, Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan, Irwandie Lakasek, Shahrul Mat Amin, Amirul Fakhrudin Mazuki, Afiq Huznie Othman and Nur Aiman Zariff.
However, there are some changes for the other six imported riders which will be officially announced in January 2022.
“So far, six imported riders are confirmed on board with TSG. But we still have two vacancies that we will fill if deemed necessary.
“The complete list including the status of head coach Jeremy Hunt who has been with us for a long time will also be announced at the official ceremony next January,” Tengku Farok said. – Bernama, November 1, 2021
