GENTING HIGHLANDS: TotalEnergies’ climbing specialist Nicolas Breuillard proved that sometimes it pays to be a back-up.
Entering the race as a late replacement, the Frenchman claimed a stunning victory in Stage 5 of the 30th Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday.
Breuillard conquered the gruelling 125.7km queen stage from Tapah to the summit of Genting Highlands, crossing the finish line in 3’11:26.
Teammate Josh Burnett followed closely in second at 3'11:34, while reigning orange jersey holder Lennart Jasch finished third in 3'11:47.
Originally called up to replace Tour de France standout Jordan Jegat, Breuillard’s general classification hopes were dashed when he fell ill before Stage 1.
"I actually came for the general classification but I fell sick on the first day," said Breuillard.
"It was hard to regain the lost time, but I told my teammates I wanted to at least win a stage here. "I have to thank them because they truly believed in me more than myself."
The 26-year-old stated that his triumph at the 1,629m Hors Category climb was driven by a desire to end his final year with TotalEnergies on a high note before joining XDS-Astana next season.
"They really sacrificed a lot to help me, especially Valentin (Retailleau) who opened up the gap from the beginning for me," he said.
"Burgos (Burnett) was gracious as well after I told him I wanted to win this stage. He did well to improve his general classification position too."
With his personal goal checked off, Breuillard will shift his focus to repaying his teammates’ favour in the remaining three stages.
"I’ve got my win. Now I will see what the team need and help out whatever way I can."
Meanwhile, Jasch took back the polka dot (King of Mountain) which he won in Stage 2 with 35 points.
XDS-Astana’s Matteo Malucelli and Aisan Racing Teams’ Yuhi Todome will continue to don the blue (best sprinter) and white (best Asian rider) jerseys for today’s Stage 6 from Pandan Indah to Rembau.
The peloton will have to contend with three King of Mountain category three climbs in Ampang, Bukit Hantu and Bukit Mendum alongside three sprints in Ulu Beranang, Rahang and Rembau over the 121.3km course.
