Being a former stage winner in the race, Anuar Manan carries the hopes of the local fans in the bunch sprints at the Tour de Langkawi. Today he got the race off to a great start when he finished third in stage 1.

 "It was quite a tough day today. The speed was quite high in the final kilometres and then a crash happened in the front. Harrif Saleh and myself managed to get to the front as a result of that and then I managed to stay with the leaders and sprint. I didn't get the victory today, but now our first target of a podium has been achieved," said Manan.

"We will now target a win in one of the coming stages. But remember, there is not just me. We have Harrif, who is also in good form."