(Langkawi, 20 October 2012): Fabian Giger and Lea Davison have officially conquered the third edition of Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge (LIMBC) after executing a well-thought strategy at the penultimate stage of the race today. Giger and Davison paced themselves well in their respective category as both cemented their healthy lead to wrest the challenge trophy at Pantai Kok Short Circuit.
The Swiss Ace from Rabobank-Giant triumphed by staying close to the leading pack by finishing sixth in the sprint finish dubbed as “The Beach Sprint” as the race was won by defending champion Karl Platt from Team Bulls with Florian Vogel of Scott Swisspower and Burry Stander from Team Specialized joining the podium stage in second and third place respectively. Nevertheless, it was enough for Giger to secure the overall leader as the yellow jersey holder a comfortable lead of 6.18 seconds into the final stage. “I knew I have a good lead before the race today so I just need to stay close to the leading pack. This is a memorable win for me. It is a quite tough throughout in the overall race in Langkawi considering the heat, humidity, rain, deep trail, slippery tracks and all. But now I am super-happy of winning it today,” said the World Cup fifth-placed rider.
In the Women’s Open, Davison with time advantage of nine-minute and 21 seconds, finished in the second place as the pink jersey rider was alone upfront against team tactics by finishing second behind Eva Lechner from Colnado-Sudtirol and her teammates defending champion Nathalie Schneitter in third. After scaling the hilly terrains and engaging in small battles against mud, insects and leeches all week, the 29-year-old American girl was ecstatic after the race by running to the beach and dived into the water. “I am so pleased to be on the podium and to win the title. The whole race was hard but fun and I have to compliment the organizer for the good organization and allowing the riders to enjoy the waterfall and majestic stretch along the stream and beaches. “I have quite strong lead before Stage 5 today. Well, the second place was the ideal way to end the race. To win this race in Asia for the first time, it is really a treat,” said Davison, who made the decision to enter LIMBC 2012 after the London Olympics.
Malaysia’s best finishes overall was Abdul Razak Kamis with a third-placed placing in the Senior Men’s Master while Masziyaton Mohd Radzi clinched ninth position in the Women’s Open. Nevertheless, Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi managed a respectable outing against world class rider in the Men’s Open by finishing in 15th position.
Australian Jenni King finished in 8th position in the womens open category.
For complete race results check www.MTBMalaysia.com and for some visual check YOUTUBE: LIMBC 2012 highlights
The leaders following five very tough stages LIMBC 2012 (photo by www.MTBMalaysia.com)