TVS Asia One Make

MALAYSIANS, MASTERING THE MACHINES

There has never been a boring moment in the TVS Asia One Make Championship of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as riders string side-by-side to beat the other before accomplishing their mission for the season. Malaysian riders, Md Ramdan Rosli and Md Muzakkir Mohamed have made striking accomplishments this season will be back for more in Round 5 which will be held at Zhuhai International Circuit this weekend. Ramdan, former rider of the SS600 race category has diligently worked hard on his moves this season to stand tall in his game. He may have had a rough start at the Chang International Circuit but that was a much-needed jumpstart to his enhanced performances. Since then, he has never missed the limelight on the podium which also included two winning moments at Sepang and Sugo. The rider went on full-form and while the challenges with his contenders were inevitable, he has somewhat marked his territories in the TVS Asia domain. Commenting on his performances this season, Ramdan said, “What can I say? So far, I have enjoyed the ride with TVS Asia. Each time I am on the circuit, it is not just about winning but also savouring every moment of it. Definitely, the scores that I have made were my biggest accomplishments. My contender for now is Hiroki Ono and I am looking out for ways all the time to take him down. He is good, for sure and that makes it hard for me to conquer the race ground but I am doing my best to ensure I keep up with my stamina. My focus for each race would be to make it to the podium.” Speaking about his machine, Ramdan said, “To be honest, all riders have the same engine capacity. The only major difference would be the body weight of each rider. Of course, I have a bit of a problem with my weight, heavier than other riders to be precise but I still push as much as I can so that I don’t lose out on the straights. For the upcoming race, I do have some pretty good mileage at Zhuhai but the last time was in 2019. So going back there after many years, I don’t know what to expect but the most I could do it to make sure that I get to the podium. There is no big advantage for me but I believe in myself and I push as much as I can to make the best out of it. There is only 100% of me and nothing less. My goal for this season is to make it Champion. I have already lost many points in that one round with zero in hand. But I will not give up and I am getting closer. So, the most I can do is keep my fingers crossed that everything goes well.” From AP250 race category to TVS Asia, Muzakkir made significant improvements this season and showed great compatibility with the TVS Apache RR310 machine. His impeccable moves were seen in Race 1 at Sepang when he bagged victory followed by a podium-finish in Race 2. Although Muzakkir may have struggled a little at the other circuits, his overall achievements have placed him at the fourth spot in the overall standings. With two more rounds to go, Muzakkir is not far off from making it into the top three positions and may just strike it lucky! According to Muzakkir, “This year has been the best version of me. I have given my best. Only thing that is lacking would probably be the luck and an enhanced machine. With that, I think the outcome would have been better. As usual, my routine has always been the same. I do a lot of bike training and I follow a strict diet. That has given me some advantage but the problem is, everyone at TVS Asia is my contender because they are all that good. It has always been a close, tight fight among us. I also know that TVS crew work wonders and they make improvements on the machine almost for all rounds. So, it makes it tough for all of us and also makes us equally competitive. Overall, I have enjoyed riding in this race category.” Commenting on ZIC, “I rode last at Zhuhai in 2019 and I had many good memories at this circuit. Personally, I think the circuit has a solid surface and the technical layout is definitely a plus point for those who enjoy it. If I am able to find the right setup, I am in for a good fight towards the podium. TVS Apache RR310 is a production bike but the feeling aboard it is almost like I am riding on a prototype chassis. I changed a little on my riding style to make sure it is smooth and try not to be too aggressive. Reason being, I have to save my tires and ensure that I have a better, shorter lap time. While I am in this, I have no expectations of taking the championship title because it is a lot of pressure but again, nothing is impossible. I have worked really hard this season and I can’t wait to jump onto my machine once again. Zhuhai, here I come!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SETTING THE RIGHT STRATEGY

Never a dull moment in the TVS Asia One-Make Championship of the FIM Asia Road Racing  Championship with riders taking a notch up to accomplish their goals for the season. Making a  remarkable entry and spicing up the level of competitiveness is Hiroki Ono of Japan who will be back  for Round 5 at Zhuhai International Circuit this weekend.   He marched into the scene of ARRC in Round 3 and made stunning lap times before going on to bag  the top spot on the podium in Race 1. Although he did not finish Race 2 due to mechanical issues in  his machine, he came back to topple his contenders in Round 4 with a double win and a new lap record.  The Japanese rider is a smooth operator who has made riding aboard the TVS Apache RR310 seem  effortless. Hiroki may be new to the TVS Asia platform but his riding experiences in various  championships in the local and international front have definitely contributed to his grand finish in the  race category.  Speaking as a seasoned pro in the industry, Hiroki said, “Yes, I have definitely gained a lot of  experiences over the years which is one of my greatest assets riding in the TVS Asia. I have competed  in the World Championship, Spanish Championship and All Japan Championship and that has gone a  long way in paving a pathway of excellence for me. But again, it is not all experience I would say. It is  also perseverance and determination to succeed that has driven my level of competitiveness in the  race scene. The ups and downs are inevitable in any kind of championship. Here, in TVS Asia, I personally feel that we lack riding advisors. It would not really be an issue for an old hand but for  younger riders who may not have had the much-needed prior knowledge or experience, it is definitely  a tough game for them.”  On his performances and improvements, Hiroki said, “In Japan, I use data loggers to frequently check  my riding techniques and also my machine’s conditions. This really helps me gauge my overall  performances including the capacities of the machine. It also is a crucial element in helping myself  improve further especially in my riding style and the adjustments of the right settings. So far, I am quite  pleased with my overall achievements but I know that I can do more and I look forward to making  more record-breaking strides. Practice makes perfect!”  “For the upcoming race, I have never been to Zhuhai International Circuit so that would be challenge.  Nevertheless, I am a go-getter and I can’t wait to get there so that I can start working on the right  strategies. Of course, it would be an added advantage for those who have already been there and  tested the ground but there is really no fun in riding without a challenge. Being in TVS Asia is quite an  interesting journey for me, I would say. Above all the achievements, I actually feel privileged to be part  of the TVS Asia ambition in developing a suitable machine for race and I hope that my experience would be of value to them and to the other participating riders. As for the next season, there is nothing  carved in stone yet but I hope to make ARRC more exciting.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DOUBLE WIN FOR JAPANESE

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has seen the rise and fall of highly impressive riders in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Today, Hiroki Ono of Japan hit the jackpot with a double- win when he victoriously glided towards the finish line in Race 2 of Round 4 held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In yesterday’s race, Hiroki dominated the circuit from the start to completion. The real battle was seen between Ramdan and Decky who were competing aggressively to take the next position in line in the first few laps. In the heat of the moment, Taiyo added on to the pressure before Decky lost his chances. As Hiroki went on to form a huge gap, Ramdan and Taiyo fought one last battle in the final lap before speeding towards the finish line. Today’s race began with Hiroki sprinting ahead of the troop and taking lead once again. Behind him was Ramdan at P2 and Vorapong at P3. Before the lap ended, Vorapong took a shot ahead of Ramdan for a moment before they switched positions into lap 2. Meanwhile, Indonesian rider Decky was finding his pace at P4 followed by Taiyo at P5. As the race progressed, Hiroki began opening up gap with Ramdan. Vorapong tried to close the gaps with Ramdan but the latter stayed focused and glided on confidently. By mid-race, Hiroki was once again at a far distance with a gap of 1.186s. The battle heated up between Ramdan and Vorapong, both with the aim of taking the next spot on the podium but Ramdan stayed within the racing lines, careful not to make any mistakes. Vorapong was seen finding for a loop-hole to slide ahead of Ramdan. With two more laps to go, Hiroki has drawn a 2.778s gap with Ramdan. Decky remained at P4 while Rusman moved into P5. Before the lap ended, Ramdan managed to pull away from Vorapong’s force as he picked up speed while Taiyo took back P5. By then, Hiroki was on his way to earning a double win. In a twist of fate, Ramdan’s machine that gave way towards the last turn opened up a pathway for Vorapong. In that moment, Vorapong struck and glided towards P2 at the finish line. Hiroki Ono completed the race with a 5-second gap at 14’03:365s and with a new lap record at 1’44:651s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “I am so happy today to have made a new lap record at 44. But Race 2 was very easy for me as I began pushing 100% from the start. With that, I managed to draw a fine gap ahead of the troop. This weekend started difficult for me to be honest but I changed some settings and also my riding techniques which helped me during the qualifying session. I am very happy and thanks to the TVS Team as well as my Japanese fans and sponsors.” At second, Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand clocked in at 14’08:408s. Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia made third at 14’08:971s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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JAPANESE VICTORIOUS IN MANDALIKA

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has never failed to create a fulfilling experience for both its riders and fans. This time around at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Hiroki Ono of Japan awed his fans and audience when he emerged with a win in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the qualifying session earlier, Hiroki Ono added on the pole position to his advantage when he clocked in the fastest lap time at 1’45:113s. He said, “I improved a little bit from the FP sessions yesterday because I did some changes to the settings. But let’s see how it goes during the race.” Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia took the second spot on the grid in preparation for the race at 1’45:465s followed by Taiyo Saito of Japan at 1’45:731s. Taking the lead at the very beginning was Hiroki Ono followed by Ramdan at P2. As the race picked up, Ramdan switched positions with Decky for a moment at the end of lap 2. As Hiroki went on to dominate the circuit ahead of the troop, the battle continued between Ramdan and Decky with Vorapong trailing close behind. Muzakkir who started at the ninth spot on the grid closed up the gaps and moved into P5. By mid-race, Hiroki was leading with a 3.8s gap. Meanwhile, Decky overtook Ramdan but the latter furiously chased to close the gaps. Vorapong seemed to have lost his momentum before Taiyo took over P4. With a bold move, Taiyo then sled ahead of Decky and Ramdan from the outside. With another 3 laps to go, Hiroki has drawn up a huge gap with the troop behind while Ramdan found a loop hole from the inside before superseding Taiyo. At the final lap, it was all about keeping up with the momentum for Hiroki as he sailed towards victory. Behind him, the battle continued between Taiyo who by then overtook Ramdan. Vorapong moved into P4. The chase was heated up as Ramdan tried to challenge Taiyo. Taiyo however was resistant to pressure as he picked up speed and raced towards the second spot on the podium. Hiroki celebrated victory at 14’07:383s with a gap of 7.3s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “As the race began, I pushed 100% and in the middle of the race, I made sure that I kept a distance with the troop behind. It was not very easy and I have to keep the tires for Race 2. I foresee that it would be much tougher tomorrow. Overall, I am very happy to be back here and join the team for yet another excellent challenge.” At the second spot was fellow countrymen, Taiyo Saito who clocked in at 14’14:735s. Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia took the third place with his best time at 14’14:991s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI DETERMINED TO MAKE HIS MARK AT MANDALIKA

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has never been stronger with its robust riders managing their pace to make it to the top. In the free practice session of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Hiroki Ono of Japan was all out and claimed the fastest lap time at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In today’s FP1 session, Japanese rider Hiroki Ono is back to continue his mark of excellence when he clocked in fastest at 1’46:480s. Malaysian rider, Ramdan Rosli took the second fastest spot at 1’47:318s followed by Thai rider, Vorapong who logged in at 1’47:958s. During the FP2 session, Hiroko Ono was relentless in his pursuit as he went on to score the fastest at 1’46:369s. At second fastest was Taiyo Saito of Japan with his best at 1’46:572s. Ramdan picked up speed as well and with an enhanced performance, clocked in his best for the day at 1’46:572s. With that, Hiroko Ono concluded today’s session, fastest with his best lap time at 1’46:369s. Although Hiroki did not participate in the first two rounds for the season, he showcased impressive performances at Sugo. Luck may not have been on his side in Race 2 nevertheless, he is determined to get the best out of ARRC. Commenting on the session, Hiroki said, “This is my first-time riding at this circuit therefore, it was difficult to get a consistent lap time. I am not too sure if it is good or bad but tomorrow, I have to work on my concentration. The TVS machine, just like any other machines requires skills more than anything else. Even when I do well, I keep pushing the next time around so that I can continue to progress.” At second fastest spot was Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia clocking his best at 1’46:572s and Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand at 1’47:102s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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RIDING THE TVS RHYTHM

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has fulfilled a pleasurable yet provoking challenge since its  debut in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and foresees continuous excitement for its  fans as it grows. Raking the charts to topple the lead are Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia and  Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia who will compete once again in Round 4 which will be held at the  Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit this weekend.  While debutante, Muzakkir made victorious moves at Sepang circuit in Round 2, second-year rider,  Decky put on a fiery battle at Sugo circuit in Round 3 – both with a vision to claim the highest spot on  the chart with a four-point difference. For a newbie in the race category, Muzakkir has definitely come  a long way in quickly picking up the art of riding aboard the TVS Apache 310 machine while Decky  implemented his learning curves for a better position than the season before.   Commenting on his performances, Muzakkir said, “It has been quite an exciting season so far. I have  been able to get adapted to the machine really well and fight for a spot on the podium. Winning and  obtaining a double podium at Sepang was one of the best things that has happened to me this season.  Of course, I have been training a lot especially with the machine and I was also able to prepare myself  better, mentally. In Round 3 however, I faced some issues with the machine. There were a lot of  clattering on the front but could not find the real issue with it.”  “For Round 4 though, I am quite sure of the direction and with the rights steps, I am sure that I would  be able to manage it well there. Mandalika circuit is the much-anticipated circuit for most riders. The  layout is beautiful and requires absolute speed to stay on par with the competitive riders. I think it will  be a close race for every race category. I have already studied the layout and have done training on a  similar track here in Malaysia. So, I hope that I will be 100% prepared when I get there. So far, the TVS  Apache RR310 machine has been serving me really well and for the coming round, I will just have to  find the perfect setup like gearing and bike fitting that matches my riding style on the circuit.”  Having improved this season, Decky said, “The difference this season compared to before is the entry  list that entails more competitive riders. This season, I paid attention to my past mistakes and flaws to  find ways in making the necessary amendments. For me, the fact that there are highly credible riders  gives me greater motivation to continue training and improve my performances. For the coming race,  it would be my first at Mandalika so it is important to learn the layout and identify where I can be  stronger and minimise my weaknesses. I believe that with hard work and persistence, I would be able  to dominate the circuit. Whatever that I have learnt, I will make full good use of it.”  On TVS team, Decky said, “TVS team has helped me tremendously in achieving my goals last season  as well as for this season. Throughout the year and a half that I have been part of TVS’ aspirations and  mission, I have grown to understand and enjoy the machine better, even more so with the upgrades  for this season. My goal for the coming round would be the inject some fun for the audience while  making sure that I am at my best.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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STRONG FINISH BY MALAYSIAN

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has been fuelling an experience of a kind to its riders since its debut in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In Race 2, Round 3 that was held at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia gave it an interesting twist when he bagged the winning spot on the podium. Reflecting on Race 1 that was held yesterday, we saw the mastery of Japanese rider Hiroki Ono who flaunted his experience o the circuit when he went on at the lead position from flag off to chequered flag. Riders of neighbouring countries, Decky and Ramdan engaged in an exchange of positions before Decky upped his performance further to take the second spot while Ramdan concluded at third. In Race 2, Decky was off to a great start when he took lead as soon as the race flagged off. Ramdan strode at P2 while Hiroki took a more relaxed approach at P3. Uphill after turn 14, Hiroki dashed ahead of Ramdan but seconds into lap 2, Ramdan made it back into P2. A comfortable gap was drawn between the trio ahead and the troop trailing behind led by Vorapong before Fugo broke into P4. By the fourth lap, Ramdan made it past Decky for a moment before the latter resumed his lead role. Meanwhile, Muzakkir who was trailing behind took a leap into P5. Hiroki who was playing it safe at P3 began making his moves mid-race and barged ahead into P1 with Decky and Ramdan close behind. Hiroki confidently picked up speed and quickly drew gap with the duo behind. With 4 more laps to go, Hiroki has worked on a 0.891s gap. By the 8th lap, Ramdan moved ahead of Decky before Hiroki succumbed to a mechanical issue and was out of the equation. That left Ramdan and Decky at the top two positions. Two more laps to go, Decky worked on his rhythm and glided ahead of Ramdan. At P3, Fugo battled with Piyawat and Muzakkir. Fugo however retained his positions at P3 but Vorapong broke into P4 and began his attack on Fugo but the Japanese rider managed his position firmly. Ahead of them, Ramdan boldly chased Decky down before dashing uphill towards victory at 16’38:545s. Commenting on the race, Ramdan said, “I was prepared to put up a fight with Ono as we have worked on our machine’s suspension. I was quite confident to embrace the battle in Race 2. But sadly, he faced some mechanical issue with the machine. Anyway, I am very happy with the outcome of the race today. It is never an easy feat, furthermore with my body weight in comparison to other riders but again, I am really grateful for this win.” Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia took the second spot at 16’38:938s. Fugo Tanaka of Japan made it third at 16’44:373s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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JAPAN MADE PROUD

Riding aboard the TVS Apache 310 machine, the riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship put on their best performance to dominate Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Standing tall with victory in hand was Hiroki Ono of Japan. The day at the circuit began with the Qualifying session of the race category. Hiroko Ono of Japan went on to amaze audience with his remarkable lap time of 1’37:772s which consequently secured him the pole position. At the second fastest spot was Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia with his best time at 1’39:378s. Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia made the third fastest at 1’39:402s. As soon as the race started, Japanese lad, Hiroki took lead at the first turn with Deck close behind at P2 and Ramdan at P3. Before the lap ended, the red flag was waved due to a casualty involving Chiranth of India. The race continued shortly after with a reduced number of laps and this time, Muzakkir took lead at the first turn followed by Decky and Ramdan. Before the end of the race, Hiroki stole P1 and went on full-throttle. By mid of lap 2, Hiroki has drawn a gap of 0.8s from Muzakkir. Meanwhile, Ramdan who was at P4 broke into P3 in lap 3 and Decky maintained his speed to avoid Ramdan’s moves. Into the fourth lap, Hiroki was way ahead of the troop with a 3.813s gap. With two more laps to go, Ramdan was pressuring relentlessly from behind but Decky was careful not to slip. By then, Muzakkir has lost his chances of moving into the top 3. With one more lap to go, Hiroki was gloriously speeding ahead towards victory. The battle went on between Decky and Ramdan but the former was determined to bag the second spot. Ramdan refused to give up and went on to chase Decky down but the latter confidently glided to the chequered flag ahead first. Hiroki Ono clocked in at 9’53:668s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “So the race was awesome. I kept focusing on and monitoring the riders trailing me. For me, it was an easy feat furthermore with only 6 laps. It did not strain me physically and mentally. But, there is another race tomorrow and I am certainly looking forward to it.” Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia made it second on the podium at 9’59:457s. Malaysian rider, Md Ramdan Rosli took the third spot at 9’59:830s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI CARVED NEW LAP TIME

It was an awesome start for the riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship at Round 3 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Standing out tall today with an impressive lap time was Hiroki Ono of Japan who claimed fastest for the day in the practice sessions, combined. This morning during practice session 1, Hiroki Ono of Japan marked the fastest when he clocked in his best lap time and a new record at 1’38:644s. At the second fastest spot was Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia at 1’39:681s followed by Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia at the third fastest at 1’41:228s. During the practice session 2, Hiroki came back with a boosted performance when he made yet another record at 1’37:949s. Decky once again made it the second fastest with more than 1-second improvement at 1’38:682s. At third fastest was Ramdan, clocking in his best at 1’39:552s. With that, Hiroki takes the fastest spot in the practice session, combined. Returning for the second consecutive year as a wildcard rider, Hiroki bagged a win in Race 1 and second spot in Race 2 last season. The Japanese rider seemed to have the mastery required at the highly technical circuit and seems adamant in marking his territory. Commenting on the session, Hiroki said, “Not bad for a lap time?! Compared to the morning session, I made some changes to the machine in terms of suspension and my riding techniques. That resulted at 37s which is not too bad. I feel so much better than this morning. But we will see what happens in the qualifying session. I target maybe 36s, but hard to say. I will still push as much as I can.” At the second fastest for practice session, combined was Decky followed by Ramdan at the third fastest place. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SUGO WILL BE JUST AS EXCITING

It gets bigger and more exciting with the TVS Asia One Make Championship of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and since its debut last season, it has unearthed hidden talents of numerous Asian riders. Among them, Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand who has worked his moves in the last two rounds and eagerly awaits the challenge of Round 3 at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Formerly a rider from the AP250 race category, Piyawat ventured into TVS Asia this season to gain different exposure and experience. However, his move not only gave him a new insight but also garnered him a spot on the podium twice this season. He currently sits on the third spot overall with a total of 53 points. Last season, Piyawat made it 6th overall with three podiums throughout the season. Interestingly, it has been a good start for Piyawat this season and he has showcased his competitive side in TVS Asia race category. Commenting on the machine, Piyawat said, “There are many challenges when it comes to the machine although we have riders from the AP250 riding in the race category. The machine is undoubtedly more powerful since it is 310cc but it is fun to ride it. The manoeuvring is much easier but of course, it takes time to get used to the machine.” From being in a team and into a one-make race category, there are other circumstances to consider. According to Piyawat, “The difference is that, we cannot adjust or change anything in regards to the machine as soon as we want it to. Of course, all decisions are regulated to ensure that the standards are not compromised. Nevertheless, being in a one-make championship, we learn to adapt and support each other in the best way we can.” Last season, Piyawat made quite the impression at the Sugo circuit when he took the third place in Race 1. Although it was his first time just like any other ARRC riders, Piyawat was able to make impactful decisions that landed him on the podium. Although he didn’t make it top three in Race 2, he said, “The Sugo circuit is quite an exhilarating one and I enjoyed myself there last season. The pros and cons are part and parcel of riding. I am yet to discover what the circuit holds for me this time around. My assumption is that, it would be highly competitive just like Round 1 and 2. What fun would it be if it is not, right?” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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