The Tour without Genting sounds easier for the riders, but it is tough for the bookmarkers to bet on who will win this year’s Tour
LANGAKWI – Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024 promises to be another thrilling edition of one of Asia’s most prestigious cycling races.
Known for its challenging and diverse routes, the 2024 edition will take riders through some of Malaysia’s most picturesque and demanding terrains, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty, urban landscapes, and mountainous challenges.
Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or just curious about the race, the route for LTdL 2024 is sure to captivate and excite. The 2024 route is designed to test every aspect of a cyclist’s skill set, from high-speed sprints on at terrain to grueling climbs that will separate the contenders from the rest.
Back to the island where its all started, Stage One, a 96.5 km round island promises not only breathtaking views of one of the world’s most beautiful island, it offers a kind of sheer attacking ride, right from the first race start proper.
Short and fast, sounds like a massed bunch sprint but history has its story in 2014 where breakaways do win races in short stage, a mysterious win as the island was. The next stage from Arau to Butterworth covering 154.5km is a straight forward sprinters’ stage. Expect breakaway attacks for those collecting points, but with no intermediate KOM, riders will sail smoothly to the finish.
Stage 3, the queen stage where the highlights will be the ascent to Cameron Highlands, a climb known for its steady gradients and cool climate. This stage is expected to be the key battleground for the general classification contenders, as it provides a rare opportunity to gain significant time over rivals.
The climb to Cameron Highlands is long and punishing, requiring riders to carefully manage their energy and pace. The cool temperatures at higher altitudes may provide some relief from the tropical heat, but the climb’s length and elevation will still demand everything from the riders.
This stage will likely be where the race’s ultimate winner begins to emerge. But the main question will be where the climb is coming from, Simpang Pulai. After all the struggle getting to the highest point at Coptorne Hotel (1,629m), its descending all the way to Tanah Rata. History reminds us that there were sprint battle before in Tanah Rata, grouped but definitely not a massed bunch. And those super climbers like Simon Carr, Hugh Carthy and Max Poole will find it hard to hold with time gaps counted in seconds, and the overall GC seems vulnerable after the queen stage.
Stage 4, should be more enticing for the General Classification (GC) leaders. This stage will traverse through Malaysia’s lush interior, passing through small towns and rural areas where local fans line the roads to cheer on the cyclists.
Climb starts at at the first twenty km and finishes at KM39.3 with Category 1 (865m) at historical Gap, border between the state of Selangor and Pahang. Twenty kilometers of ascending skills need to be propelled by a pure descending skill in the next twenty, before a full flat to the finish line. The unpredictable nature of these stages could lead to unexpected shifts in the race standings, making for an exciting spectacle. A sure win for the kinds of Tom Pidcock, but who in this year’s contenders are brave enough for this adventure.
Stage 5, and everybody will back in the city of Kuala Lumpur, starting at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The 167.3km to Melaka is characterized by rolling hills and punchy climbs, which could be decisive for the general classification, require riders to stay alert and ready to respond to attacks at any moment.
The undulating terrain means there will be no respite, as riders must constantly shift gears and adjust their strategy to the ever-changing landscape. The men in the peloton are sure to have a hard day at the office, catching up with leaders and pursuers before a sprint finale at MITC Melaka.
And before flying to Sarawak, the last stage in the Peninsular from Batu Pahat to Kulai will again be short and fast, with expected massed bunch sprint at the finish.
It ain’t over, till it’s over, is what the almost 200km stage from Miri to Bintulu promises. The coastal road is full its own unique challenges, winding roads with bumpy surfaces are torturing, strong crosswind from the South China Sea will be a constant distraction long enough. With the time gaps are still uncertain, this stage will undoubtedly be the last decider for all contenders.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal views, and dynamic energy sector, Bintulu known for its role as a hub in Malaysia’s oil and gas industry, provides a unique and exciting backdrop for the grand finale of Asia’s most prestigious cycling race.
And all set to Bintulu for the last stage, the last 8.5km 4 loops remind us all of final stages in kinds of Dataran Merdeka criterium and the Kuala Terengganu loop where fans gathered in a circuit to watch final battle in a fast but very tactical way. This final stage promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has already been an epic journey across Malaysia, an open race with no clear favorite amongst the contenders.
