Floyd set to fly
Canadian team eye LTdL triumph after Taiwan conquest
KUALA LUMPUR: The Canadabased Continental outfit Floyd’s Pro Cycling team were the early birds as they are raring to make a lasting impression in the 2019 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), which starts in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Former LTdL stage winner Travis McCabe will be Floyd’s main man on the flat (sprinting) as the team seek to continue their fine run in this part of the world after winning the overall individual title in the recent Tour of Taiwan two weeks ago, through Jonathan Clarke of Australia.
McCabe finished third in the sprint classification in Taiwan behind Kinan’s Yasuharu Nakashika of Japan and Nipo Fini Vantini’s Giovanni Lonardi of Italy.
Clarke, who is making his fourth appearance in the LTdL since 2012, is main contender for the general classification for the team.
Floyd’s, owned by American Floyd Landis who won the Tour de France 2006 but was later stripped of the title because of doping, arrived yesterday with a balanced set of young and experienced riders headed by Canadian sporting director Gordon Fraser, a LTdL winner in 2001.
The 29-year-old McCabe, formerly with United Healthcare Pro team, has set himself a target of winning at least three stages this time.
McCabe and other sprinters can expect a tough fight from favourite Andrea Guardini of the Bardiani team for the top podium spot in the eight-stage race.
Italian Guardini is the most successful rider in LTdL history with 22 stage wins.
“I’ve raced here before two years ago and won two stages in the 2017 edition, so I am familiar with the weather conditions here.
“It’s been a good start for me in Asia this year, especially after coming in third in the sprints competition in Taiwan,” said McCabe.
He admitted that Guardini’s presence will make it hard for other sprinters.
“The team have their ways and strategies. Hopefully, everything turns out well,” added McCabe, who arrived with former Tour of Korea winner Serghei Tvetcov of Russia.
Canadians Emile Jean and Nickolas Zukowsky and Keegan Swirbul of United States complete Floyd’s six-member line-up for the LTdL.
This year’s edition will start off with a challenging 176.9km hilly route from the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur to Dataran Tampin in Negri Sembilan on Saturday.
The total of 22 teams are taking part in the eight-stage 1,234km race.
The much awaited Genting climb takes place on the fourth day from Shah Alam while Langkawi will host the penultimate and final stages (April 12-13).