ARREDONDO TOPS GENTING, SWEEPS YELLOW AND RED JERSEYS

GENTING HIGHLANDS, Monday 25 February 2013 - Team Nippo-De Rosa's Julian Arredondo won Stage 5 of Le Tour de Langkawi 2013 to claim the yellow jersey as the new overall leader of the race at the end of the Tour's toughest stage from the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya  to Genting Highlands today.

The 25-year old from Colombia was in second place overall prior to the 110.3 kilometre stage which he completed in 3 hours 11 minutes and 41 seconbds, 26 seconds ahead of Orica-GreenEdge's Pieter Weening in second place and 44 in front of RTS Racing's Victor Nino.

The previous yellow jersey holder Wang Meiyin (Hengxiang Cycling Team), who had a 2 minutes and 43 seconds advantage over Arredondo, only managed to finish 20th and dropped to fifth overall.

Arrendondo who had 20 points in the mountains classification at the start of the stage, added 25 points to his tally to also grab the king of the mountains red jersey from Meiyin.

However, Meiyin still remained in the lead of the Asian riders' classification, thanks to his powerful performance in winning the Cameron Highlands stage on Saturday.

The blue jersey of the points classification leader remained with Astana's Andrea Guardini for another day after the Italian took charge of it when he finished second to Francesco Chicchi in a bunch sprint that ended Stage 4 yesterday.

Right after the official start, Orica-GreenEdge's Travis Meyer made an early breakaway attempt riding solo and opened up a nine minute gap ahead of the peloton and took the mountains hot spot in Bukit Cerakah and three intermediate sprints at Coalfields, PAya Jaras and Gombak, before being caught by the peloton when the climbing began at Genti8ng Sempah.

As expected the climbers waited for the Genting stage before making their big moves and Arredondo, accompanied by his teammate Fortunato Baliani led the front group of 22 riders when they began the final part of the climb at Gohtong Jaya, 10km from the finish.

"I was just watching how the yellow jersey (Meiyin) was behaving today before making my move. I had my teammate Baliani with me and we jumped to attack with 10km to go when we saw that Meiyin had been dropped," said Arredondo.

"This is my biggest win to date. I had won some races as an amateur in Italy and I only turned professional with Team Nippo last year, when I won the Japan Cup.

"Now I have a comfortable lead at the front and I hope my teammates will be able to control the race in the remaining stages."

Meanwhile, Meiyin, who did not get much help from his teammates in the climb, admitted that he was disdappointed in losing the yellow jersey after winning the Cameron Highlands stage.

"I must admit that there are other stronger climbers here but I am satisfied with giving my best so far," said Meiyin.

Guardini, who finished 101st, can't wait to get back to the flat stages where he is targeting his first win in this year's race to add to his record 11 wins achieved in the past two editions.

"Tomorrow is the longest stage and there might be some breakaway attempts, but the final four stages are flat and we can expects some bunch sprints.

"I hope to retain my points classification jersey and at least one stage by the end of the race."

Stage 6 tomorrow is the longest stage of this year's race covering 217.8km from Mentakab to Kuantan with three intermediate sprints in Jerantut, Bandar Jengka and Maran and three mountains hot spots in Sungai Piul, Kota Gelanggi and Jengka.

The LTdL 2013, which carries the slogan "The Heat is On", will officially begin in Kangar on February 21 and the race comprises 10 stages, covering 1469.7 kilometres. 

The race is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a 2.HC (hors category) race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, via the National Sports Council (NSC) in association with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).

A NEW WINNER TO EMERGE IN GENTING

KUALA LUMPUR, MONDAY, 7 JANUARY 2013 - Since the inception of Le Tour de Langkawi in 1996, only one edition of the race didn’t feature the ascent to Genting Highlands, as road works prevented the cyclists from riding up Malaysia’s legendary climb in 2008.

“When we look at the history of the race, we realized that something essential was missing that year, it’s no surprise that Genting was reinstated in the following edition and I can’t imagine Le Tour de Langkawi without Genting. This is definitely the queen-stage”, said the chief operating officer of Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal.

The Genting Highlands stage is graded as a Hors category climb in the mountains classification and is the much awaited stage fir the riders competing in LTdL as it is the deciding factor in the race for the overall victory and the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification.

For the 18th edition of LTdL, Genting Malaysia Berhad once again continues its sponsorship with a contribution worth RM 800,000.00 in cash and kind, to ensure the success of the ‘Hottest race’ in Asia.  Genting Malaysia Berhad is also the sponsor for the red KOM jersey.

Genting Malaysia Berhad’s Vice President Corporate Services Dato’ Kay Prakash presented the  mock-cheque and LTdL 2013 KOM Red jersey  to the Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek at Menara KBS Putrajaya.

“Genting Malaysia Berhad is honoured to once again become the official event sponsor for LTdL 2013 and to preserve this bond which has been forged since the inception of this prestigious cycling event in 1996,” said Dato’ Kay Prakash.

“The Le Tour de Langkawi is an internationally acclaimed cycling event that many enthusiasts of the sport look forward to every year, particularly the Genting ride, which is the fifth stage of the race,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery also thanked Genting Malaysia Berhad for their continuous support of the race for the 18th time and hopes that their sponsorship continues to grow together with the race as it gains popularity among the ProTour teams.

In the past ten years, the late Ryan Cox from South Africa was the only rider able to beat the famous South American climbers when he clinched the overall title in 2005. Venezuelans and Colombians have what it takes to tackle the 25-km grueling climb as they hail from these kinds of mountains and usually make their way to Malaysia after an altitude training camp.

Last year, José Serpa scored an impressive fourth victory following his triple crown from 2006 to 2008 at the resort where he remains unbeaten. He won’t be in contention this time around as he has left the Androni Giocattoli team to upgrade to Pro Team Lampre-Merida. “It will definitely make the race more open this year”, explained Androni Giocattoli manager Gianni Savio who might have a less easy task directing to victory Venezuelans Carlos Ochoa and Jackson Rodriguez, the usual domestiques for Serpa.

The 2011 winner Jonathan Monsalve, also from Venezuela, will return after also changing team as he joined Vini Fantini, a squad that is no stranger to winning up to Genting Highlands as they did so with José Rujano in 2010 under the banner of ISD-Neri.

Savio stated that the door is open to a young talented climber to take over, citing his new Italian protégé Diego Rosa, 23, and his compatriot Fabio Aru, 22, riding for Astana. Pro Team Garmin-Sharp will line up Australian prodigy Lachlan Morton who collected a remarkable seventh place at Genting for his first participation to Le Tour de Langkawi in 2011 at the age of 19.

Spanish neo pro Carlos Verona, 20, beginning his career with giants Omega Pharma-Quick Step, will undergo the first big test of his career, while Malaysian fans have huge hopes for the emergence of 21 year old Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki of Terengganu (TSG) who brilliantly finished third at the top of the Ijen crater during the Banyuwangi Tour of Ijen last December.

However, all eyes will be on Pierre Rolland. The Frenchman who won an Alpine stage at the Tour de France in the past two years (L’Alpe d’Huez 2011 and La Toussuire 2012) is a clear favourite for the 2013 Le Tour de Langkawi, a race he discovered two years. “Since then, I’ve always wanted to come back because Genting Highlands is a mythical climb where I want to win”, warned the superstar of Europcar.

“With the fantastic start list we have in preparation, this looks like going to be the best Le Tour de Langkawi of the past ten years and the best stage up to Genting Highlands ever contested”, said Emir Abdul Jalal.

The LTdL 2013, which carries the slogan "The Heat is On", will officially begin in Kangar on February 21 and the race comprises 10 stages, covering 1427.6 kilometres.

The race is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a 2.HC (hors category) race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, via the National Sports Council (NSC) in association with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).
Previous winners of the LTdL Genting Highlands stage:

1996: Damian McDonald (Aus/Giant Australia)
1997: Luca Scinto (Ita/MG-Technogym)
1998: Giuliano Figueras (Ita/Mapei)
1999: Marcus Ljunqvist (Swe/Cantina Tollo)
2000: Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Mex/Panaria)
2001: Paolo Lanfranchi (Ita/Mapei)
2002: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2003: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2004: Ruber Marin (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2005: Ryan Cox (RSA/Barloworld)
2006: José Serpa (Col/Selle Italia-Diquigiovanni)
2007: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2009: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2010: José Rujano (Ven/ ISD Neri)
2011: Jonathan Monsalve (Ven/ Androni Giocattoli)
2012: José Serpa (Col/ Androni Giocattoli)

PIERRE ROLLAND RETURNS TO LTDL WITH WINNING AMBITIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, MONDAY (3rd DECEMBER 2012) - Tour de France mountain stage winner and top-10 overall finisher Pierre Rolland will be back in action at Le Tour de Langkawi with Europcar from February 21 to March 2nd. The Frenchman announced his 2013 early season program highlighting the Malaysian event over the races of his country.

“I fell in love with Le Tour de Langkawi when I first took part in it back in 2011”, Rolland said. At the time, he was trying to come out of two quiet seasons with Bouygues Telecom following the immense promises he gave with Credit Agricole as a neo pro in 2008. A King of the Mountain at the Criterium du Dauphine and a member of the French team for the Beijing Olympics, he looked like a climber in the making.

The 2011 LTdL was the re-start of his career. He went on the attack almost every day, even on flat stages when he knew his chances of success were very limited. He rode up to Genting Highland in a solo breakaway until he got caught with 5km to go and finished 12th. “Had I known the climb, I would have acted differently”, he said. “I want to go back to Malaysia and win atop of this legendary climb.”

As he got injured in February last year, he was forced to skip Paris-Nice, a race he thought was a necessity in his lead up to the Spring classics and the Tour de France. As he won the Alpine stage to La Toussuire and finished 8th overall at the 2012 Tour de France, he has changed his mind over Paris-Nice and opted for LTdL instead.

“To have Pierre Rolland back to LTdL is a great honor, his victory as the Best young rider of Tour de France in 2011 was a great achievement, and I’d love to see him as winner in Malaysia as well”, the chief operating officer of Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal commented. “It’s fantastic to hear that a stage winner at L’Alpe d’Huez also considers Genting Highland as a legendary climb and a prestigious win to be posted on the record book of a champion.”

The line up of Europcar for the 2013 Le Tour de Langkawi shows their strong ambitions. The other big attraction will be Olympic Games silver medallist for omnium Bryan Coquard who is set to become a top sprinter in the coming years. The 2011 Asian champion Yukiya Arashiro from Japan will also return to his favourite Asian race alongside French riders Cyril Gautier, Perrig Quemeneur and Kevin Reza.

The LTdL 2013, which carries the slogan "The Heat is On", will officially begin in Kangar on February 21 and the race comprises 10 stages, covering 1466.6 kilometres.

The race is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a 2.HC (hors category) race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, via the National Sports Council (NSC) in association with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).
The 18th edition of the race is marked not only by its return to its legendary birthplace, but also a challenging route which features two tough climbs up Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.

THE EUROPCAR TEAM FOR THE 2013 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

Yukiya ARASHIRO (JPN), Bryan COQUARD (FRA),  Cyril GAUTIER (FRA), Perrig QUEMENEUR (FRA), Kévin REZA (FRA) and Pierre ROLLAND (FRA)

SERPA GRABS STAGE WIN AND YELLOW JERSEY, LAPTHORNE FADES ON GENTING HIGHLANDS

29th February 2012, GENTING HIGHLANDS - As he did three years ago, José Serpa followed up stage victory in Le Tour de Langkawi with another win atop the climb of Genting Highlands and, with four stages left to be covered, is in a very strong position to take his second overall triumph in the race.

Rather than the predicted clash between Jose Rujano (Androni Giocattoli – Venezuela) and Tom Danielson (Garmin Barricuda), today’s strongest riders ended up being Serpa and Victor Nino Corridor (Azad University Cross).

After tussling the whole way up the climb, the 32 year old Colombian beat his 38 year old compatriot by two seconds. Rujano suffered due to not eating enough and crossed the line 46 seconds back.

Alexandr Dyachenko (Astana) and Jackson Rodriguez (Androni Giocattoli – Venezuela) completed the top five.

“I expected to do well, but I expected Rujano to be in the lead tonight,” said Serpa. “However in the final kilometres he got a hunger flat. I was feeling well – I stayed on Victor Nino’s wheel and from there I could take the stage win.

“It was not my intention to attack Rujano but because he had a crisis, I had to do so.”

The tough finishing climb shook things up considerably, and put paid to the hopes of overnight leader Darren Lapthorne (Drapac Cycling) and the rider who was sitting second overall, Tom Danielson (Garmin Barracuda).

Neither were on good days and finished 59th and 74th respectively. According to Danielson, the after-effects of his crash on Sunday were responsible for his drop in form.

“Unfortunately my body’s way off because of my crash…when you crash like that coming to a sprint finish, it takes a lot out of you. I’m doing the best I can, but obviously it’s not what I want.”

In contrast, Serpa’s dominance and Rujano’s solid ride saw them end the day first and second overall in the overall standings, thirty seconds apart, with Nino Corridor a further 26 seconds back in third. Dyachenko and Rodriguez are fourth and fifth.

EARLY BREAK TRIES TO BEAT THE CLIMBERS:

The full complement of 124 riders lined out on today’s stage, with no withdrawals happening overnight. Shortly after the depart from the Proton headquarters in Shah Alam, a group of six slipped away. However they were reeled back in by Andrea Guardini’s Farnese Vini team.

A subsequent seven man attempt was more successful, opening a growing lead. The riders present were Assan Bazayev (Astana), Sonny Colbrelli (Colnago), Valery Valynin (RusVelo), Alireza Haghi (Azad), Loh Sea Keong (OCBC), Zainal Mohd. Rizuan (Malaysia) and James Williamson (New Zealand).

This septet built a gap of one and a half minutes by kilometre twelve, and this soared to approximately four minutes by the time they reached the category four climb of Puncak Alam (km 24). Williamson was first there, ahead of Loh and Rizuan.

The break’s advantage grew to five minutes very soon afterwards, putting Colbrelli into virtual race leadership.

Rizuan took the intermediate sprint at Coalfields (km 35), crossing the prime line ahead of Loh Sea Keong and Colbrelli.

The latter then took the second intermediate sprint at Paya Jaras (km 43.7), where their lead was four minutes 57 seconds. The group raced on to the final intermediate sprint prime of the day, where Rizuan beat Colbrelli and Haghi to the line.

With 40 kilometres to go, the gap was holding steady at five minutes. The situation was a little more complicated for Williamson, who punctured out of the move. However he got a quick change and was able to chase back on again.

Valynin cracked soon afterwards, reducing he number of those in the break to six. They were approximately four minutes clear with 25 kilometres to go. Soon afterwards, Rizuan also cracked and slipped back.

Once on the Genting Highlands climb, Loh Sea Keone also went south. Bazayev and Williamson pushed ahead, conscious things were about to really heat up behind.

Sure enough, 2010 champion José Rujano surged from the group behind, prompting Jose Serpa, Victor Nino Corridor and Carlos Ochoa to give chase and join up. The other contenders were unable to keep pace, including Danielson.

Bazayev left Williamson and gave his all to stay clear. However he was finally reeled in 15 kilometres from the summit, after which Rujano surged and put Ochoa out the back.

The latter got back on but Rujano continued to ride aggressively. Behind, the, next riders were 50 seconds back and making no real inroads into the leaders. It became increasingly clear that those out front would not be caught.

Serpa sensed that victory was possible and with Rujano weakening due to hunger knock, he attacked hard with seven kilometres to go in order to get rid of Nino Corridor. The latter managed to get back up to him but was no match for his compatriot in the final kilometre, with Serpa snatching both the stage win and the yellow jersey.

The race now continues with four flatter stages, where this year’s triple stage winner Andrea Guardini (Farnese Vini – Selle Italia) is expected to add to his tally. Serpa is likely to come under attack, although it will be a difficult task for any of his rivals to get back into the frame.

Danielson’s Garmin Barracuda team has promised to ride aggressively in the days to come, but stage wins will now be the priority. The same applies to many other squads in the race, who now find themselves too far back after the showdown on the Genting Highlands.

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour.

GENTING TO BE THE BATTLEGROUND OF THE CLIMBERS

18 January 2012, PUTRAJAYA - Genting Highlands is often associated with fun and excitement, and its cool temperature offers an ideal getaway from the tropical heat.

For cyclists, it is the much awaited stage for the riders competing in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as it is the deciding factor in the race for the overall victory and the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification. Graded as a Hors category climb in the mountains classification and can be considered the "Queen Stage" of the annual race.

For the 17th edition of LTdL, which begins from February 24 and ends on March 4, Genting Malaysia Berhad once again continues its sponsorship with a contribution worth RM 800,000 in cash and kind, in order to ensure the success of the biggest race in Asia.

Genting Malaysia Berhad has been a corporate partner of the race since its inception in 1996. This year continuing to be the sponsor for the red jersey for the King of the Mountain classification, which is the much sought after piece of attire among climbers.

Genting Malaysia Berhad Deputy Chairman Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar today presents the sponsorship to YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister of Malaysia at the Maritime Centre, Precinct 5 at Putrajaya.

“Genting Malaysia has been a ‘traditional sponsor’ for Le Tour de Langkawi, consistently for the past 17 years. We have seen this local event grow till it has gained recognition at the international arena. This year, once again we are proud to continue our support to Le Tour de Langkawi”, said Tun Hanif in his speech.

"Genting Malaysia is proud to work together with the organisers of Le Tour de Langkawi to further promote Genting Highlands as one of the leading holiday destinations in the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek thanked Genting Malaysia Berhad for continuing their support since the very beginning, he also stated that Genting Highlands has been dubbed the ‘world toughest climb’ due to it’s gradient of climb.

The climb up Genting Highlands is very popular among riders who compete in LTdL every year. Besides its steep and long climbs, those who are not well prepared will have problems arriving at the finish line which is 1,400 metres above sea level.

Last year saw young Venezuelan rider Jonathan Monsalve emerge victorious at the summit of Genting Highlands and eventually securing him the coveted overall title and the KOM jersey at the end of the race, Monsalve battled wind and rain up to the finish with 42 year old Libardo Nino Corredor (Le Tua) who could only settle for second place on that crucial day.

The 2012 edition has lined up great climbers to take on the ultimate ‘Queen Stage’ of LTdL.

Tom Danielson of Garmin-Barracuda – the overall winner of LTdL 2003 with Team Saturn then returns for a showdown. Tom took over the leader’s jersey after an unlucky crash suffered by teammate and overnight leader Nathan O'Neill at the finish of stage 7 in Bentong causing him to loose valuable time.

Danielson ranked 9th overall in Tour de France last year will be the one to watch. But he will face a tough challenge from the past two winners of the Genting stage. Jose Rujano and Jonathan Monsalve are now united inside the Androni Giocattoli team. The combination of the talent of the Venezuelans from two generations might make it hard for other riders to hold their pace.

A huge attraction of the Genting stage will be the return of the overall winner of LTdL 2007 Anthony Charteau, now with Europcar. He might have surprised a few by his climbing abilities that year but in the meantime, he has put his mark on the map of world cycling as he became the King of the Mountains in the 2010 Tour de France.

It’ll also be interesting to see what Freddy Gonzalez can deliver at the age of 37. The new Colombian recruit of Iranian team Azad University came along with the two younger brothers of Libardo Nino, Miguel and Victor. In the battle of the old warriors, Kazakh superstar Alexandre Vinokourov, 39, from Astana, and Ghader Mizbani, 37, from Tabriz, haven’t said their last word yet.

“This year’s start list features so many good and prestigious climbers that we might have the best stage up to Genting Highlands ever contested”, previewed the chief operating officer of Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal.

Previous winners of the LTdL Genting Highlands stage:

1996: Damian McDonald (Aus/Giant Australia)
1997: Luca Scinto (Ita/MG-Technogym)
1998: Giuliano Figueras (Ita/Mapei)
1999: Marcus Ljunqvist (Swe/Cantina Tollo)
2000: Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Mex/Panaria)
2001: Paolo Lanfranchi (Ita/Mapei)
2002: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2003: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2004: Ruber Marin (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2005: Ryan Cox (RSA/Barloworld)
2006: José Serpa (Col/Selle Italia-Diquigiovanni)
2007: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2009: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2010: José Rujano (Ven/ ISD Neri)
2011: Jonathan Monsalve (Ven/ Androni Giocattoli)

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour. LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

-Ends -