PUTRAJAYA: Missing out on the white jersey at Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has fuelled Tsen Ren Bao’s determination to return and win the Asian rider classification next year.
The St George Continental Cycling Team rider finished 25th overall in the race’s 30th edition, with several encouraging performances along the way.
He was the first Malaysian across the line on Stage Four from Meru Raya to Cameron Highlands on Wednesday.
Ren Bao then finished 30th on Stage Five from Tapah to Genting Highlands, one place behind his younger brother, national team rider Tsen Ren Han.
In the Asian rider classification, Ren Bao finished second, 3 minutes and 44 seconds behind Aisan Racing Team’s Yuhi Todome, who clocked an overall time of 29 hours, four minutes and 23 seconds.
Terengganu Cycling Team’s Kee Zhe Yie took third in 29:10:21 after overtaking Ren Han in the standings during today’s final stage from Muar to Putrajaya.
“I feel relieved now, but I am still proud to have finished second.
“I did not get the jersey this year. Perhaps next year I will return with the aim of winning it,” said the 23-year-old.
This year’s race was also a memorable family occasion for Ren Bao, whose sister came to support him after three years apart.
His father, Tsen Seong Hoong, was also present, while Ren Han competed alongside him.
“I do not know what happened to my brother today. He lost third place in the standings, and that is something he needs to learn from.
“The difference between us is experience. I have competed in LTdL three times and raced in many other events.
“I know what to do, when to do it and how to avoid dangerous moves. That helped me get through this year’s LTdL,” he said.
– NST
