Heaven-Tsen, as St George back for LTdL with Ren Bao in their ranks

PETALING JAYA: After a year’s absence from the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), Australian continental outfit St George Continental Cycling Team are back – this time with Malaysian rider Tsen Ren Bao in their ranks.

Ren Bao, the son of national cycling legend Tsen Seong Hoong, first rode in the LTdL last year with the Malaysian national team and has since been seen as a rider with great potential. He was signed by St George in March.

His inclusion makes him the only rider in the team with prior LTdL experience, ahead of his five teammates who will all be making their debut in the race.

Surprisingly, St George have opted not to field two of their top riders — Nick Kergozou and Tom Sexton — who have been in fine form in several races this year.

LTdL chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal said Ren Bao’s presence in the St George team gave them an advantage in extending an invitation, after ARA-Skip Capital represented Australia last year.

“We know many are eager to see Ren Bao ride with his professional team in this year’s LTdL, which is why we extended the invitation to St George again after their last appearance in 2023,” said Emir.

“This is our way of supporting his growth as a professional rider because he is among the new generation of cyclists with the talent and potential to go far.’’

In his debut appearance last year, the 21-year-old Ren Bao finished 56th in the overall individual classification. Despite competing in more than 10 races this season, the 2024 national individual time trial (ITT) runner-up has endured a frustrating run, with crashes and injuries hampering his progress.

Apart from Ren Bao, St George have also listed Mitchel Fitzsimons, Nate Hadden, Declan Tresize and experienced riders Ben Carman and Daniel Whitehouse.