It seems like our local names and talent are continuously being recognized globally, be it through sports, storytelling, or even in the medical world!
This time, a cyclist has become the first Southeast Asian woman to be part of a professional world-acclaimed cycling team which is based in Spain! Meet Siti Nur Alia Mansor, who has signed on as a rider for Canyon-SRAM Racing Team. Canyon-SRAM Racing is a Women’s World Team that competes in cycling races across the globe.
At the time being, Siti, who is only 21-years-old, is also the first and only national woman cyclist to compete in the Women’s World Tour.
She was contacted by Adam Szabo, the former Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) coach who is now coaching the Canyon-SRAM Racing Team last June. He was interested in signing Siti up for the team, and prior to agreeing to be part of the team, Siti contemplated a lot in terms of her career.
“I took a month to think about my future and cycling career development before agreeing,” she said.
Siti, who is from Terengganu, is actually an athlete for the Terengganu Malaysia Games (Sukma) and she had also received an allowance of RM3,000 from state Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) during an event where she celebrated her success on 4 January. Siti also has had some experience up her sleeves as she won the silver and bronze medals at the 2018 Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Despite the experience and successes, she felt nervous about the prospect of cycling with her more experienced teammates. However, she is definitely excited about bringing the wheels to cycle abroad.
“This is definitely a stepping stone for me and I will repay the sacrifices made by my family, coaches and the Terengganu cycling fraternity,” she expressed her desire to bring glory to Terengganu and Malaysia at an international scale one day.
To be able to compete by doing what you enjoy is definitely a dream come true! We certainly hope to see Siti on the screen someday bringing our country to fame with her success!
