TSC, Mario Vogt lift overall titles in 2019 TdIJ

JOHOR BAHRU, April 19 (Bernama) -- Team Sapura Cycling (TSC) rider Mario Vogt has clinched the overall title in the inaugural Tour De Iskandar Johor (TdIJ) 2019 after a bunched finish in the third and final stage of the 107.7-kilometre race from Kluang to here today.

Vogt, who finished in 42nd spot, was credited with the same time - 2 hours, 14 minutes and 48 seconds - as Stage Three winner Wang Jaunyong of Hengxiang Cycling.

That was enough for German Vogt to don the Blue Jersey (overall champion) with a time of eight hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds, while his team TSC also emerged overall champions after finishing as runners-up in last week’s Le Tour de Langkawi.

Vogt said although the rain made the race today more challenging, the win also proved more meaningful for him.

“The last time I donned the Blue Jersey was back in 2008, so I am glad to finally get my hands on it again here,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony at Kompleks Yayasan Warisan here today.

TdIJ 2019 managing director Datuk Mohamad Johari Mohd Sah gave away the plaque for the overall team champions.

Meanwhile, XSpeed United’s Ryan Roth retained the White Jersey (King of Sprint), St George Cycling’s Mathew Zenovich keeping the Red Jersey (King of the Mountains) and TSC’s Muhammad Shaiful Adlan Mohd Shukri maintaining the Black Jersey (Best Young Rider).

TSC manager Fairoz Izni Abd  Ghani, who was proud with his team’s win, planned to compete in more races to accumulate points and finish in the top three in Asia.

“We are also waiting for invitations to race in other countries. Hope this will be a good year with the presence of Benjamin Dyball and Marcus Culey,” he said.

-- BERNAMA