A Dedicated Cyclist – DR.DAGOO

DAGOO’S AMBITIONS

Resigning from national team was a major breakthrough to Dagoo. He continued his studies in Universiti Malaya in Sports Science. In between, he did other jobs unrelated to the cycling industry. Opting for a course in Sports Science was, indeed, because of his passion for cycling.

In 2014, he realized cycling industry in Malaysia has grown. Compared to when he first started in the industry, cycling community in Malaysia has been enhanced with the existence of cycling events, bicycle shops and people who take part in it. “I did not plan to go back to the industry until I encountered a lot of my ex-school mates enquiring about bicycles. They have picked up cycling because of the trend so I thought, I should do it again.”

Dagoo’s fire for cycling was still burning. So, he went back to the cycling sphere and raced. In December 2014, he won the fifth place in Johor Century Ride 2014. Nowadays, different categories are divided accordingly in cycling races. Dagoo thinks it’s fair as riders can compete with each other in the same age group. Subsequently, his results into podiums have been unceasing. “Why don’t I initiate some related business?” Dagoo, then, started catering home-to-home bike fitting service.

Over and done with his experience as a former national rider, he received professional bike fitting training and certification in Taiwan. At the same time, in last 2016, he established a bike shop selling mostly racing, road bikes and accessories because he wants to provide the latest and specialized products to his customers. “People recognize me as a professional rider. Most of my customers visit my shop for high-end bikes.” Moreover, Dagoo’s shop also caters bike trainer and power training system. “I have my own secret program.” Dagoo said while giggling. As a Sports Science graduate, Dagoo imparts dietary advices to his customers. “During preparation which is briefly 4 to 5 months before a race, cyclists should reduce the intake of carbs, and consume more protein and fiber. Personally, I would suggest having pasta as an alternative to rice because nitrogen fertilization is common in rice fields.”

Last but not least, Dagoo will be releasing his own cycling brand – Dr. Dagoo. Stay tuned!

DAGOO’S TRIUMPHS

We were bewildered upon noticing Dagoo’s scar on his eyebrow. “It was caused by a clumsy fall when I was a kid.” Luckily, Dagoo did not encounter major injuries in his racing journey. During a race in Indonesia, a participant rode to his lane causing him fell off his bike and his face was seriously wounded, thankfully without a scar after the recovery.

Dagoo today, surprisingly enjoys cycling so much more than the he did during the old times. Not only he cycles leisurely with his cycling teammates and takes care of his bike shop, he is also operating his own registration platform and organizing events. Little did we know that in 2011, in collaboration with Malakoff Corporation Berhad, Dagoo organized his first cycling event, half-century ride Malakoff in Lumut.

Dagoo has been taking a toll on his cycling adventure, physically and emotionally. Through it all, he can tell one thing: he loves riding and racing on the bike. The effects of riding are positive, on his body, mind and performance. After he has moved to Bukit Jalil, he frequently rides shoulder-to-shoulder with his cycling team members.

Ultimately, Dagoo was also the champion in The Gran Fondo New York Malaysia (GFNYM) Men Open, the global cycling marathon series for the first time in Malaysia. “Look at my participation number – number 272, the same as Azizulhasni Awang’s in UCI Track Cycling World Championships Hong Kong 2017. I think, it’s a lucky number to me.” His next race will be Jelajah Malaysia 2017 (Tour of Malaysia).

Someone who has plenty of history as a professional cyclist, someone who has stories to tell, someone with great knowledge of riding in many regions in Europe and someone who will plan to be a cycling coach in the future.

Who is he? He is Raziff Jaafar. You can also call him Dr. Dagoo.