Germany's Walscheid eyeing more success after fruitful outing in 2020 LTdL

LANGKAWI, Feb 14 -- Winning the green jersey and securing two stage-wins in 2020 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) are huge motivation for German sprinter Maximilian Richard Walscheid to vie for more honours this season.

The lanky 26-year-old rider won the eighth and final stage of the premier Asian cycling race from Dataran Lang to Kuah town today, covering a distance of 180.5km. Italian Luca Pacioni of Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec and Ara Pro Racing Sunshine Coast team’s Taj Jones of Australia were second and third respectively.

The chief judge awarded a common time of 2 hours 29 minutes 08 seconds to the top 10 riders who crossed the finish line in a sprint bunch.

Today's victory enabled Walscheid, who secured his maiden stage victory in stage three from Temerloh to Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, to take the green jersey as Best Sprinter by collecting a total of 65 points, ahead of Jones, who was second on 55 points, and Malaysian rider Mohd Harrif Saleh of Terengganu Inc. TSG Cycling Team, who was third with 44 points.

"Of course, I wanted to maintain the green jersey and was looking at the sprint bunch. I knew I had a chance to clinch victory and I'm very happy to secure another stage win.

"Winning the second stage-victory and green jersey is the best moment to start the new season," Walscheid told reporters.

Sharing his sentiment was Kazakhstan rider Yevgeniy Fedorov of Vino-Astana Motors, who was delighted with his performance on his debut at the premier Asian cycling race.

"Overall, I'm happy with my debut in Le Tour de Langkawi. Winning the opening stage race in Sarawak last Friday and also coming in second overall in general classification (yellow jersey) are the best way to start the new season," said the 19-year-old rider.

-- BERNAMA