Tour de Langkawi
2013 Tour de Langkawi route announced
Malaysia’s Le Tour de Langkawi is arguably the pinup event in the first half of the AsiaTour calendar. Though the 2.HC-ranked Tours of Qatar and Oman have superior funding, ‘LTdL’ delivers colour, passion, energized racing and professionalism in spades. The route of the 18th LTdL, from February 21 to March 2, was announced in Kuala Lumpur … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 10: Tasik Kenyir – Kuala Terengganu Loop
In yesterday’s ninth stage, Terengganu locals had their hopes quashed by an unfortunate crash that wiped Malaysian sprinters Anuar Manan and Harrif Salleh from stage win contention. Today was the last chance for a Malaysian stage victory.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 9: Kemasik – Kuala Terengganu
Pouring rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Kuala Terengganu’s cycling-mad population at the start of today’s 165.7km ninth stage. Terengganu’s capital city is hosting the final two stage finishes of this year’s Tour de Langkawi – a win by a Terengganu Cycling Team rider would be the ultimate payoff for its investment.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 8: Pekan – Chukai
Today the peloton entered the state of Terengganu, where it will remain until the race’s conclusion on Sunday. This is a first for the Tour de Langkawi, as all previous editions have finished in Kuala Lumpur on the other side of Malaysia Peninsular.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 7: Bentong – Kuantan
The official stage 7 start list handed out to media listed 123 riders, but this was notched back to 122 due to Tom Danielson’s withdrawal. This came after the Garmin Barracuda star climber finished yesterday’s Genting stage more than 18 minutes behind winner Jose Serpa.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 6: Proton, Shah Alam – Genting Highlands
Fans of professional cycling may not be able to identify with “Genting” as frequently as they might “Alpe d’Huez”. However, Genting invokes as much respect from riders as the famous hairpinned climb in France.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 5: Ayer Keroh to Pandan Indah
Triple stage winner Andrea Guardini (Farnese Vini – Selle Italia) pre-empted today’s 190km stage, with its three categorized climbs, by delivering an earlier statement that he would be riding “tranquillo” until the parcours flattened again. He didn’t mention anything about his teammates.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 4: Batu Pahat to Muar
On paper, today’s 169.4km fourth stage from Batu Pahat to Muar could have been easily underestimated as another springboard for a bunch sprint. In fact the general sentiment was exactly that. There was probably no point in getting excited if a break went up the road; it would only be reeled in. All so predictable.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 3: Melaka to Parit Sulong
Distance aside, today’s 187.6km stage could easily be reported as a carbon copy of yesterday; oppressive heat and humidity, early attacks by Asian Continental teams, a small breakaway forming and staying away all day only to be enveloped by the peloton with a few kilometres remaining.
2012 Tour de Langkawi | Stage 2: Putrajaya to Melaka
Today’s start point was a 68km transfer from the team’s hotel and riders were expected to assemble there by 9am; that’s roughly when breakfast commences at European stage races. Welcome to pro cycling in Asia.
