Anuar Manan (born October 11, 1986) is a Malaysian professional cyclist currently riding for Geumsan Ginseng Asia.
He is one of two Asian riders that has ever won a stage in Tour de Langkawi and competes all over Asia against Pro Teams.
He just came back from Europe where he was racing with top European Riders. Anuar rides Specialized bicycles and joined the Specialized China racing team for a unique and exciting race.

The local government in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, organized a massive bike race with huge prize money. This attracted most of the talented and fastest riders from all over China, Honk Kong, and Macao.

Back to Shanghai, Anuar gave us some of his impressions about the race, the team, and his first criterium  in China:



I soon realized that the race would be tougher than expected...
“I was first really impressed when I arrived on the race site. The organization was big, hotel where riders stayed was luxurious, the race course very professional. It was my first criterium race in China and I was surprised.
I soon realized that the race would be tougher than expected when I saw other riders around the hotel and on the name list… I knew most of them and I also know that they are strong riders (top rider from Discovery China, Honkkong top riders).  I knew that good team work with my new teammates would be the key for victory."

Teamwork and new Teammates
“I arrived on Sunday August 29 after I spent 3 weeks racing in Europe. I was really exciting to come to China. Only a few hours after I landed in China I met my teammates and went for a short ride with them. It was actually very good to meet them before the race, ride with them, and know more about each other, learn more about everyone strengths and character.”
“During the race the team did an awesome job. The guys always knew what to do; they rode in the front, catching every single tentative breakaway. Simon, William, Gary, and Ed really worked hard. Thanks guys!”

Victory!
“55 km into the race,  I went to the front and watched other rider’s faces, they seemed a bit tired so I decided to push hard and go away.  Four riders came with me and the peloton didn’t catch us.  I then managed to win the sprint at the end, it was awesome.”
“Chinese riders are really aggressive, they constantly attack, and fight hard. I like this a lot! It was definitely not a boring race with riders trying to breakaway each lap… and it made this race tough!”

Specialized team also came in 3rd position, an awesome result considering that excpet Anuar the team is only made of riders who have a full-time job but love the sport. Since the race was on a Tuesday, they actually all call in sick to join the race! Congratuations guys!

RESULTS:
1/ SPECIALIZED China Racing Team: Anuar Manan
2/ ChinaGRT Team: 张利、
3/ Honkong CS Racing Macao: 胡健燊

One more victory for Anuar Manan

Podium:


Next race for Anuar will be in Japan in Hokkaido on September 13.
We wish Anuar good luck and hope to see him in China again soon.

EXCLUSIVE! First 25 readers who send "Anuar Manan" to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it will receive a hero card signed by Anuar Manan!!



More pictures coming soon!

The Team


Starting line, ready to race


The winner: Anuar Manan


Massive crowd at the finish line


Individual Podium


Team Podium


After race dinner


Video from QQRIDE: