MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad said the issue of coach Fairoz Izni Abdul Ghani’s salary can be solved if the national body’s executive committee is willing to capitalise on it.MNCF president Datuk Abu Samah Wahab had suggested moving the national junior women’s squad’s base to Malacca under Fairoz, which could allow for a joint programme with the Malacca Cycling Association (MCA), but Naim said it could be expanded further. “For now, our track programme is fully funded by the National Sports Council (NSC) and the road programme is still fully our responsibility, although the Pelapis programme is just starting to handle the under-23 and under-25 squads,” said Naim. “We have the junior squads based in the Bukit Jalil Sports School and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, who act as feeders to the Pelapis programme, which is focused on track cycling. “The area we can look at is a centre for a junior road squad for those leaving the sports schools and this could be in Malacca. “If RM,2000 is what Fairoz has been earning, I think the MNCF can afford that. “It can be a joint programme between the MNCF and the MCA.” The Malacca development programme with 30 junior cyclists under its wing has been left in a limbo after the Malacca State Sports Council (MSNM) decided to discontinue support for the road and track programme to shift towards BMX and mountain biking. Fairoz has declined to take up an offer to continue as a part-time coach for BMX or mountain biking with a monthly allowance of RM600. “Fairoz was initially our (MNCF) coach and paid by the NSC, but it was the MSNM who offered him to take charge of the Malaysia Games programme in 2011,” said Naim. “He left his national duties to take up the post in Malacca and the results are there for all to see, there is no question about that. “While we could suggest to the MSNM to have some continuity, it looks like they don’t take our suggestions into account. “Obviously, there is something not right going on in Malacca and I know about this certain MCA office bearer who is behind a lot of this, but let’s just leave him out of it. “We can go on and on about this, but I think it is better to look at how we can move forward, not be stuck in this situation and allow it to drag on.” By Arnaz M. Khairul The 2013 edition of the Tour de Langkawi is nearing the completion with the announcement this week that the Terenggenu state government will sponosr the race leader's yellow jersey. It is welcome news with less than three weeks to go before the race starts on the island of Langkawi.Menteri Besar (Great Minister) of Terenggenu Dato' Seri Ahmad Said described the significance of the sponsorship,"The yellow jersey this time will feature the Visit Terengganu Year 2013 theme prominently and this provides immense branding for the state. This is why the state government has decided to capitalize on this opportunity to promote the state via LTdL, which is recognised as a major international cycling event,"The full roster of 22 have now been signed up for the 18th edition. The line-up include five pro-tour teams.“The fight for the yellow jersey is more open than ever, said LTdL chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal. “Looking at the provisional start list, I can see the names of more than twenty potential winners coming from all five continents.”