The inclusion of the scenic Cameron Highlands in Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi has definitely made the Petronas Green Jersey (general classification) competition much more unpredictable and exciting this year.
Cameron Highlands is well known for its cool weather, strawberries and tea plantations but has hosted many important cycling races over the years.
The third stage yesterday (Oct 1) started in front of the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari before going through Bukit Gantang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Kg Salak Stesen, Sungai Siput, Klebang, Kg Tasek, Ipoh, Gopeng and Simpang Pulai.
The riders began their ascent up Cameron Highlands at Kampung Raja and proceeded through Kuala Terla, Tringkap, Brinchang before finishing in Tanah Rata.
After 170.3 kilometres of gruelling racing, it came down to an exciting sprint finish contested by 11 riders, all aiming to stake their claim on the coveted Petronas Green Jersey.
In the end, it was Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL rider Max Poole who emerged victorious and took charge of the Petronas Green Jersey.
But with only a five second lead over second-placed Harold Martin Lopez from Astana Qazaqstan, the competition for the Petronas Green Jersey is far from over as anything can happen in the last five stages.
There are more climbs to come in the fourth stage (Kuala Kubu Bharu to Bentong) and fifth stage (Kuala Lumpur to Melaka) so there is still ample opportunity to fight for the green jersey.
