The fight for the iconic red-and-white jersey never fails to deliver excitement each year. After clinching only the XCE National Champion title last year, Riyadh Hakim proved his caliber once again by securing a double victory—winning both the XCO and XCE National Championships in Bintan on 19 July 2025.
When asked about their expectations for this year’s Nationals, both Riyadh and Arfan Faisal shared the same answer: to win.
The competition wasn’t going to be easy—both riders had tasted victory before, with Riyadh reigning in XCE and Arfan as the XCO National Champion last year.
However, this time, Riyadh was set on a bold mission: to reclaim the XCO title while defending his XCE crown. Arfan, on the other hand, was fully focused on defending his XCO championship.
New Course, New Challenge
No National Championship is complete without new challenges. Alongside dozens of other elite athletes, the two Polygon riders tackled the demanding course in Bukit Almyra, Bintan.
The XCO racecourse stretched 4 kilometers per lap with 95 meters of elevation gain, and riders had to complete seven laps to finish the race.
Though initially concerned about the slippery, sandy terrain during practice, the track conditions eased up on race day, setting the stage for fierce competition under the watchful eye of the blazing sun.
Riding his XC dual-suspension prototype mountain bike, Riyadh took charge of the race with a strong and consistent pace, leading the pack from the front. His determination paid off—he crossed the finish line to claim his first red-and-white jersey of the day as the 2025 XCO National Champion.
“I felt really good today, so I rode at my own pace and just pushed,” he said. Meanwhile, Arfan Faisal finished strong with a silver medal.
The camaraderie between the two was evident as they stood together on the podium. Reflecting on the race, Arfan said, “I knew from the start it was going to be a tough race, especially after yesterday’s practice. I’m quite happy with the result because I gave it my all and finished in one piece.”
The Battle Continues: XCE Showdown
Knowing the battle wasn’t over, both riders returned to the course for the XCE National Championships. Divided into multiple heats, this format required sharp strategy and technical mastery to secure the best finish times.
Riyadh, bolstered by his recent performances at the Asian Continental Championships and World Cups, approached the race with confidence—though not without a hint of caution. “Anything can happen, and this course is really built for the unexpected,” he noted.
Staying composed under pressure, Riyadh set a solid foundation by topping the time trials, then pushed through each subsequent round with focus and control, expertly handling attacks from his competitors.
As he crossed the finish line, cheers erupted—Riyadh had successfully defended his XCE National Champion title. Arfan also delivered a commendable performance in the XCE category, winning the small final and securing 5th place overall.
The War Machines Behind Their Wins
We’re proud to support such exceptional talent! For these races:
- Arfan rode the Polygon Syncline C5, a carbon hardtail XC mountain bike built for racing.
- Riyadh raced on a prototype version of the Polygon Syncline DR, recently showcased exclusively at Eurobike 2025.
Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on Polygon’s race bikes—you’ll want to be the first to know!
Read also: Polygon Helios Road Bike Shines in 2025 Champs
