Mr Langkawi wants more after 24 stage wins

Guardini is more than just a familiar name when it comes to Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) — he is Mr Langkawi.

The Italian, who is competing for Bardiani CSF (Italy), this year, has won a record 24 stages at LTdL since his debut in 2011 and is eager for more.

“This race gets harder every year because the expectations (on me) are so high and the race (route) also gets tougher,” said Guardini, during the main riders’ press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“But, I want to do something this year.

“I have been racing a little less than previous seasons, so far I have only raced nine days this year but I am feeling good and won a stage recently (at Istarsko Proljece-Istrian Spring Trophy).”

Newly-crowned Australian national champion Michael Freiberg is equally eager to impress in what will be his LTdL debut.

The Pro Racing Sunshine Coast (PRSC) rider is also a sprint specialist like Guardini.

“LTdL is by far the biggest event in Asia, it is something the continental riders in Australia have always aspired to compete in,” said the 28-year-old.

“We have three Australian teams competing here this time and everyone knows that if you do a good stage here, then the future will look really bright for you.

“It is going to be a tough race with eight days in the humid weather but we (PRSC) are used to similar weather and the timezone is almost the same in the Sunshine Coast (in Queensland).”

In addition to PRSC, St George Continental Cycling Team and Oliver's Real Food Racing are the two other teams from Down Under in LTdL this year.