Le Tour de Langkawi: Matteo Malucelli wins dramatic sprint finish in Bintulu, Max Poole secures green jersey

BINTULU (Oct 7): Italian rider Matteo Malucelli of JCL Team Ukyo emerged victorious in a dramatic sprint finish for the final stage of the Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024 at Lasar Kenyalang here yesterday.

Malucelli also clinched the KBS Orange Jersey for Best Sprinter, amassing 80 points after his victories in three stages: Stage 2 (Arau-Butterworth), Stage 7 (Miri-Bintulu), and Stage 8 (Bintulu loops).

“When I joined LTdL 2024, I didn’t expect to win three stages. My goal was to win one stage, but I ended up winning three and the orange jersey. I’m very happy,” he told the media after the prize giving ceremony.

He also reflected on his experience racing with a Japanese UCI continental cycling team.

“When I was in a small team, it was sometimes easier, more free. I came here (Malaysia) to win one stage, but after winning one, you want to win two, then try for the third.

“I’m super happy because winning three stages in a pro series race is my best achievement in cycling so far,” Malucelli added.

Max Poole’s journey to becoming the overall champion and green jersey winner of the LTdL 2024 was nothing short of inspiring.

At just 21 years old, Poole demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic prowess throughout the race riding for DSM-Firmenich PostNL.

His victory was sealed with an overall time of 26:27:44, making him the second British cyclist to achieve this feat.

“I feel good. I got my first win on Stage 3. After Stage 4, there were no more hills, so we had to be sharp as a team to control the race and not let others get close.

“My pro win on Stage 3 gave me the confidence to carry through the race season,” he said.

Poole’s approach to cycling is refreshingly grounded as he focuses on just enjoying the race.

“It was my first time in Malaysia, and the weather was different, more humid, which was something new,” he added.

Poole’s teammate Manabu Ishibashi clinched the white jersey as the Best Asian Rider with a total time of 26:30:02.

“I’m very happy winning the white jersey. I hope I can come back for the LTdL 2025 and try to win more than two jerseys for the team,” he said.

Mario Aparicio Munoz of BH-Burgos secured the red polka dot jersey as the King of the Mountains with a total of 27 points.

“I came to this race in good form, securing the jersey is a very good memory I bring back from Malaysia. I hope to come back in 2025,” he said.

Sunday’s final stage of the LTdL 2024 her brought an exhilarating end to an intense eight-day race for 132 riders from 22 countries.

The peloton covered a total distance of 1,190km, winding through the lush landscapes and bustling towns of Malaysia, with an average speed of 44.97km per hour.

The 147.5km loop around Bintulu saw riders pushing their limits in three sprint zones.