Events

Le Tour de Langkawi #3: Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka just miss top 10 placing

· By Press Office · 2 comments

The 3rd stage of the Tour de Langkawi ended in another mass sprint. This time it was John Murphy (United Healthcare) who took the victory, Francesco Chicci (Androni Giocattoli) placed 2nd and Jakub Mareczko (Southeast) was 3rd.

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At just 107km in length, it was a short and fast stage today in Langkawi. With a small category 4 climb being the only obstacle of the stage, it was always going to be another sprint finish. 3 riders tried their luck in an early breakaway but with the peloton stopping them at a 3-minute advantage, the writing was on the wall for the escapees.

James Oram (One Pro Cycling), who was one of the early breakaway riders, made a fist of it though and was only caught 1km before the line. Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka had tried to set up Reinardt Janse van Rensburg for the finale and all was looking good until that 1km to go point. With so many teams pushing for a better position, our African Team lost a few places through one of the final corners and Janse van Rensburg started his sprint from too far back.

The South African finished with good speed but he was visibly disappointed after crossing the line in 11th position. Tomorrow should be the general classification defining stage as rider’s finish with the climb up to the Cameron Highlands.

We rode to close the gap to the breakaway today but in the final, Reinardt did not have the position to go for the victory. Also, the pure sprinters were too fresh after such a short stage and also with a downhill finish. We have more opportunities in the coming stages.
Jens Zemke – Sport Director

Comments

xcd

Feb 26, 2016, 11:45 AM

The compitition at this race has increased compared to a few years ago when SA riders use to win gc.

rock

Feb 26, 2016, 12:47 PM

The compitition at this race has increased compared to a few years ago when SA riders use to win gc.

 

GC usually was decided on Genting after the sprinters had their fun for a few days......

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