Loh planning early ‘breakaway’ in 2018 LTDL

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian cyclist Loh Sea Keong from the Thailand Continental Cycling team wants to make an early breakaway during the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) race to be held from March 18-25.

Although he is currently not in his best physical shape after being advised to rest for at least eight months following a crash in August last year, the professional rider said he did not want to miss the prestigious race.

“The last time I raced was in June last year. Then I had met with an accident during practice, and was forced to undergo surgery. I also needed to go through a recovery process and at the same time, I was busy preparing for marriage.

“Although I am still in the recovery stage, I do not want to miss the opportunity to race in a place where I was born. That’s why, despite being busy with various things, I’ve been practising alone to improve my fitness level slowly,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The Thailand Continental Cycling Team has a line-up featuring Laos rider Ariya Phounsavath and four Thai riders, namely Peerapol Chawchiangkwang, Turakit Boonratanathakorn, Phuchong Saidomsin and Sarawut Sirironnachai.

Peerapol won the fourth stage in the Indonesian Tour, while Ariya was crowned overall individual champion, coming in 17 seconds ahead of Peerapol, who finished second overall.

Loh said Ariya was sure to challenge for the yellow jersey while Turakit also had a similar style to him of making an early breakaway.

“The riders in the team are currently very fit. We have a bright opportunity to showcase our true ability. I consider the Thailand Continental Cycling Team this time as being good, and it’s not too much for me to say that it is one of the best teams in the Southeast Asia region, or even in Asia,” he said.

A total of 22 WorldTour, Professional Continental, Continental and national teams have confirmed their participation in LTdL 2018, which will cover a total distance of 1,341km, involving eight states in Peninsular Malaysia.

The 2.HC (hors category) race is being organised by Ciclista Sports, with full cooperation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. - Bernama