KUAH: Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has built a grand reputation for itself that has endured since its inception in 1996.
Numerous riders from both Asia and Europe hold the race in high regard, among them include Japanese road cycling great Yukiya Arashiro and two-time Monument winner Alexander Kristoff.
Kristoff, who has never raced LTdL before, has chosen to compete in LTdL this year as the final race of his career.
The 38-year-old has won the Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo as well as four Tour de France stages throughout his career.
Kristoff, who is now on the books at Uno-X Mobility, was asked what his perception of the race was over the years.
“For me it (LTdL) is like a sprint-friendly race, I saw a lot of sprinters win here,” said Kristoff yesterday (Sept 26).
“But for the general classification (GC), it is always a little bit harder (to win).
“It is a long race and there are many stages, it is almost like the Grand Tour of Asia.
“I am looking forward to racing this week, it will be a new experience for me.”
Arashiro (Team Solution Tech-Vini Fantini) first raced in LTdL in 2007 and has since gone on to compete in 16 Grand Tours.
“I was with a Japanese continental team when I first raced LTdL in 2007,” said Arashiro.
“LTdL is a big race in Asia and for many Asian teams it is the most important race (of the season).
“One of my teammates won a stage (in 2007) so we were very motivated to do well.
“After 18 years I am back here again. I am always happy to come back because I like the country and I like Langkawi too.”
LTdL is the brainchild of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who intended to put Malaysia in the global spotlight through top-tier sporting events such as LTdL as well as Formula One.
The eight-stage tour begins with a 96.7km loop around Langkawi Island today (Sept 28) featuring intermediate sprints at Harbour Park, Bayas and Padang Matsirat followed by a category four climb at Bukit Malut.
– NST
