Competing for the National Champion title is always fierce. This year, Sarimbun Scout Camp once again witnessed the battles of Singapore’s best athletes striving for this prestigious title. Among them were Polygon athletes Arfan Faisal and Riyadh Hakim. The competition felt like an El Clasico, as both athletes, who secured P1 and P2 at the 2023 MTB National Championships, met again on the track to test their speed and technique.
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THERE is always a different atmosphere at the National Championships compared to other races. Although those involved try to appear relaxed, high expectations for the results of this annual event are ever-present.
Four National Championship jerseys were up for grabs, with the most anticipated being the XC Men Elite category. Athletes had to complete a course of approximately 3 km for 7 laps to finish the race. This was no easy feat as they not only had to focus on technical sections but also strategize to take home the gold medal.
Two Polygon bikes were parked in front of the tent that day. One was Arfan’s Syncline C5, and the other was Riyadh’s XC dual-suspension prototype. The combination of these two bikes drew much attention, especially since the same prototype bike helped Riyadh secure a silver medal at the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup in Palangkaraya last May.
There was still a question mark over whether the defending champion would compete in this contest. Riyadh had recently sustained an injury following the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Championships in Germany a week earlier. That morning, Riyadh took his race number and joined the practice run, but no one could truly predict what steps the 25-year-old athlete would take.
On the other hand, Arfan appeared quite relaxed. At the Polygon tent, he chatted with his friends from Attitude Bikes, took photos, and rested to conserve energy before the intense competition. Once again, no one knew what would happen until the checkered flag was truly waved.
About 45 minutes before the Elite race, the arena began to heat up. Changing his shirt to the Asia Union TCS jersey, Riyadh took his bike and started practicing.
We were curious and asked about his goal for this race. “Of course to win,” he replied. Short, concise, and clear. His spirit was burning as if everything was fine. Ignore the metal plate on his collarbone; all that mattered was his determination to compete. On the roller, the aura of dominance began to be felt. From there, we knew that the Lion would not easily let go of his National Champion title.
With a stellar performance and a silver medal at last year’s National Champs, Arfan had proven that he was an athlete to be reckoned with.
It seemed like it was only a matter of time and chance to get the red-and-white jersey. There was a subtle change in his expression during the countdown to the race, indicating that he was ready to fight wholeheartedly.
Who knows what was on their minds at the start line—perhaps only adrenaline and a burning desire to conquer Sarimbun. Both competed closely in the first few laps, with Riyadh leading aggressively. Unfazed, Arfan tried to follow in his own style.
Riyadh dominated the first few laps until he had to pull back because part of the course triggered his post-surgery injury. Arfan saw this as a chance to turn things around. He maintained his pace and stayed composed during the race, ultimately leading him to clinch the National Champion title at the end of the Elite race.
“On the sixth lap, I felt like, oh, I actually felt really good. So in the back straight, I just decided to light it up and hold it until the feed zone had a gap and go all out to the finish,” Arfan said about his race. Sticking to his racing plan and knowing his own strengths were the keys to his victory this time.
Although Riyadh failed to defend his title this time, he felt quite satisfied with the result. He managed to take home the silver medal. “I am happy I can race. It was quite a tight race, a close race. 5 days not riding, I think I can say I’m quite satisfied with today,” he said.
Race is a race, but friendship remains. Riyadh then ended warmly. “The eventual winner, Arfan Faisal, a good buddy of mine—congrats to him for his first Elite National Champion jersey in XCO. Happy for him.”
Standing side by side on the podium, these two athletes brought a sweet ending to the 2024 MTB National Championships. Both showed us the great sportsmanship and show on that day.
The two athletes are confirmed to join Rodalink’s National Day event on Aug 9, 2024 and will have a talk session to chat about their experiences as an athlete.
