LTdL: Gunung Jerai an early warning for local riders

KUALA LUMPUR: Local riders have been warned not to underestimate the challenge awaiting them on Stage Two of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), with the climb up Gunung Jerai expected to provide an early test.

Former national road cyclist Ng Yong Li said the Category 1 ascent could prove difficult not only for Malaysian riders but also for some of the foreign sprinters in the field.

"If possible, I would like to see the local riders put up a strong challenge and first overcome this early obstacle before thinking about the Genting Highlands climb in Stage Five," said Yong Li.

Yong Li was Malaysia's best-placed rider on the Genting Highlands climb in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The former Portugal-based Vitoria-ASC continental team rider said the Gunung Jerai climb bears similarities to the final 10 kilometres of the ascent to Genting Highlands.

"That is based on my own experience of climbing Gunung Jerai, although this is the first time it has been included in the LTdL route," said Yong Li, who was also Malaysia's best overall rider in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 editions.

"It is a steep climb rather than a wider and more gradual ascent like Cameron Highlands.

"So, just like Genting Highlands, we could see the peloton breaking apart and possibly a solo finish."

Yong Li, who has also served as an assistant sports director with Kuwait Pro Cycling Team, believes the Malaysian riders would already have been well briefed by their respective team management and coaching staff.

"I believe all the riders from Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC), Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and the national squad would have received tips from their respective sports directors," said Yong Li

"They already know what needs to be done on the climbs at Gunung Jerai, Cameron Highlands in Stage Four and Genting Highlands. Most of their sports directors are former riders themselves."

During his racing career, Yong Li also represented RTS-Santic Racing Team, Azad University Cross Team, Letua Cycling Team, Meitan Hompo GDR and Proton T-Bikes Cycling Team.

The 2026 LTdL, classified as a 2.ProSeries race, begins on Sunday with Stage One from Shah Alam to Kampar.

The eight-stage race will conclude with the Muar-Putrajaya leg and cover a total distance of 1,285.5km.