Germany's Karl Platt from Team Bulls celebrate his victory after cross the finishing line at Perdana Quay during the second stage of the Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge 2014 in Langkawi, Kedah on Wednesday. - BERNAMA
LANGKAWI: Team Bulls rider Karl Platt’s strategy of sticking to his own pace proved successful again as he won the second stage of the Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge (LIMBC) 2014 at the Perdana Quay.
It was the second straight stage victory for the LIMBC 2011 overall champion, who took over the men’s elite category yellow jersey from Slovakia’s Michal Lami on Wednesday.
Although Lami made a quick start to lead in the 45km second stage, Platt did not give chase. The German chose to bide his time with a steady ride, and his persistence paid off when he caught up with the exhausted Lami in the last quarter of the race.
Platt crossed the finish line in 1’49:22.70 – almost 70 seconds ahead of his second-placed Slovakian rival. He has also overturned a 0:10.90 deficit to lead Lami by 0:58.80 in the overall classification.
“Having been the overall champion here three years ago, the familiarity of the route gave me an advantage. I knew when to attack and when to hold back. I’m happy to gain the yellow jersey ... I hope I can hold on to it for the remaining stages,” said Platt.
In the women’s elite category, Blaza Klemencic of Slovenia proved that her first stage victory on Tuesday was not a fluke as she put up another convincing performance to win Wednesday’s second stage as well.
Klemencic won in 2’12:20.60, ahead of compatriot Tanja Zakelj of Unior Tools Team (2’13:25.70) and Italian rider Eva Lechner of Colnago Sudtirol (2’16:54.40).
With her second win, Klemencic stretched her lead at the top of the standings to 7:19.50 over pre-tournament favourite Lechner.
“I finished seventh and sixth overall in my previous two outings in the LIMBC. So, to win two stages here this year feels wonderful,” said Klemencic.
Thursday’s Stage Three is a marathon around a 27km loop course that will start and finish at the Oriental Village. The riders in the men’s elite and men’s Open categories must complete three loops (81km), while those in the women’s elite, men’s Masters and men’s senior Masters only need to complete two loops (54km).
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