The 2014 Le Tour de Langkawi is currently ongoing in Malaysia from 27th February to 8 March 2014. This year’s race is perhaps the most challenging for the riders as the temperature ranges from 36 to 40 degree Celsius during mid day. Add to that the current haze and drought the country is facing. My hats off to all the riders, remember to always hydrate yourself cycling in the hot temperature in Malaysia.
Today, Sunday, 2nd March, is the 4th Stage of the race where the riders started off from Subang and race 110.9km to the gruelling hill-climbing finish line at Genting Highlands, one of the toughest sections of the overall race and the most anticipated finish to see who will be crowned the King of the Mountains.
Today’s race also passes Cahaya SPK, where I live and it is a real treat for all cycling fans in the area. The route is the Jalan Batu Arang, an undulating stretch and dubbed by the locals as part of the “dragon back”. However they are world class riders so this part of the race should be peanuts for them.
I’m sure none of the riders will observe the road speed limit today 🙂
The traffic police will be assisting the riders today, one of the police riders on duty.
Around 10.20am the cavalcade convoy passes through and we know it will not be long before the riders start to reach our spot.
The medical and emergency personnel lead the incoming peloton.
While each team will have their own support cars, there is also a neutral support car, just in case.
Here comes the leaders of the first peloton, they were really fast coming down the hill and it was very interesting to see how each rider has his own technique to make themselves more aerodynamic for greater downhill speed.
These are the work horses, riders who work hard in the race but not necessarily the final sprinters for their team to the finishing line. The current yellow jersey rider, Duber Quintero of team Colombia is comfortably riding in the second group, pacing himself for the rest of the race.
That is Quintero, in the yellow jersey and orange cleats. The last two LTdL was also won by a Colombian rider, they are very strong riders.
The next peloton being cheered on by Cahaya SPK residents.
The final group of riders, working it out under the sweltering heat.
And off they go, whizzing past us under the bridge of Cahaya SPK.
One of the team support cars, hmmm I wonder how much would one of the bike cost?
This last rider had a puncture and his crew changed the front tyre in less than 30 seconds. Wow…I wish I have that sort of crew when touring haha.
The Cahaya SPK Cycling Team… already training hard for the next Le Tour de Langkawi.. Yeay!!!!
For more information on the ongoing race and for the latest updates, please visit the official website http://www.ltdl.com.my
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The overall winners of Le Tour de Langkawi:
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Malaysia Route 5 