Fatahillah clinches sprints in sixth stage

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Fatahillah Abdullah became the first Indonesian rider to win a sprint during the Tour d'Indonesia after a strong ride in the sixth stage from Madiun to Malang on Sunday.

The Bintang Kranggan team member brushed aside overseas competitors to take the sprints on two designated points in Nganjuk and Tulung Agung.

"I was fired up to win the sprints. I'm happy with the points although I failed in the third sprint," Fatahillah said.

Despite Fatahillah's win, Rhyan Tanguilig of the Philippines remains the rider with the most points on sprints to keep the green jersey.

Meanwhile, Kin San Wu of Hong Kong won the 234 kilometer stage in five hours, 56 minutes and nine seconds.

The Purapham rider broke away from the peloton in the last 30 kilometers, followed closely by Rhys Pollock of Greenfields Fresh Milk.

Wu overcame Pollock's challenge in the last 300 meters to take the stage.

Iran Hossein Askari of the Giant Racing Team retained the yellow jersey while Yevgeny Yakolev clinched the climb category in Karang Ketes.

Ryan Ariehaan keeps the red-and-white jersey as the best rider among the Indonesians.

"I was content to go for a safe ride. It was a tiring ride. But our teamwork was not disappointing," he said.

The nine-stage race ends in Bali on Sept. 21.