Here we are, just hours before the official start of the racing season. The off-season of hard work; the suffering in training; the sacrifices, not to mention the blood; sweat; and tears in recovering from my injuries, will now be distant memories. The day has come, as the 24^th of February will mark my return to racing in my new team’s debut at the UCI 2.HC Tour de Langkawi.

The OCBC Singapore Continental Team will be led by Justin Cheong, and I will line up alongside my young team mates from across the Straits - Jun Rong, Chun Huat, Marcus, Tim, and our Australian import, Nick. The new team is also an opportune reunion with Saleh, team masseur from my very first Tour de Langkawi back in 2006. Along with our mechanics Indera and Safwan, we will be like a family going into this year’s tour.

I grew up dreaming of doing this race, and this year’s edition will mark my 7^th start. While I have worked hard to reach this level of competition, I also feel a sense of gratitude towards this race. It has given me a dream to dream, and every time I come back to race, I ride like there’s no tomorrow and search for the glory that everyone dreams of – to cross the finish line first; with my arms in the air!