Gibbons a step closer to overall title after winning Stage Five

PETALING JAYA: Debutant Ryan Gibbons of South Africa took a huge stride towards winning his first yellow jersey of his career at the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).

The 22-year-old Dimension Data rider retained the overall lead after winning yesterday’s 151.5km Stage Five from Meru Raya, Ipoh, to Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor. Italian Jakub Mareczko, the Stage Three winner, was second while American Travis McGabe, the winner of Stage Two, was placed third. All three crossed the finish line in 3’27:20.

Marco Benfatto, representing Androni Giocattoli, was initially given third place. But the Italian was later relegated to 73rd for violating race regulations during one of the sprints.

Gibbons had started the day 11 seconds ahead of Australian Cameron Bayly. But at the end of day, Gibbons extended his advantage to 23 seconds.

Gibbons has been impressive so far. Besides yesterday’s win, he also finished second in Stage One (Kuala Berang-Kuala Terengganu) and third twice in Stage Two (Jerteh-Gerik) and Stage Four (Seri Manjung-Cameron Highlands).

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so happy I could get off the mark with my first professional win,” said Gibbons, who also regained the teal jersey for the sprint competition.

“I want to thank my team for all their hard work. Hopefully it’s the start of something great,” he added

It was another good outing for Malaysia yesterday with two riders finishing in the top 10 in the 107-man field.

Terengganu Cycling Team’s Mohd Zamri Saleh managed to secure sixth place while Mohd Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil was placed ninth. Earlier in Friday’s Stage Three from Serdang, Kedah, to Perak’s Pantai Remis, Zamri finished third while Izzat of Sapura Cycling Team was 10th.