KUCHING: Afi Danial Ramli needed a mental reset to calm his nerves before tackling the challenging Malaysia Games (Sukma) men's criterium route to win the gold medal for Terengganu at Politeknik Kuching today.
Afi earned19 points to take the victory, with compatriot Iqbal Daniel Nawawi securing silver with 16 points, and Melaka's Hafiq Jafri taking bronze with 13 points.
The 21-year-old admitted he struggled to sleep the night before, consumed with worry about the demanding course.
"I wasn't confident going into the race. The route was really challenging and made me anxious. It was tough to sleep last night, but I knew I had to reset my mindset.
"I told myself that I could do it and reminded myself that the people of Terengganu were with me," said Afi, who also claimed gold in the team road race.
The 76 riders competed over 24 laps on a 1.8-kilometre course around the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Highway, covering a total distance of 43.2km.
Afi revealed that he had not specifically targeted a medal in the criterium but was determined not to let his hard work go to waste.
"With all the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into training, I didn't want it all to go to waste. So I gave it my all.
"I want to thank my teammates who supported and helped me achieve my dream of winning gold.
"I dedicate this win to my grandparents, mother, relatives, and coaches who supported me.
"My family couldn't be here, but I called my mother, and she told me she would always pray for me, win or lose," Afi added.
It was Terengganu's fourth gold medal in the men's road cycling event.