GENTING HIGHLANDS: Brothers Tsen Ren Han and Tsen Ren Bao delivered a heartwarming finish at yesterday’s queen stage form Tapah to Genting Highlands of the 30th Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), crossing the line together atop the summit.
St George Continental Cycling Team’s Ren Bao was the fastest Malaysian in Stage 4 on Monday, but this time his younger brother, Ren Han, 19, racing for the national team, pipped him to the award in 29th place overall with a time of 3'16:58.
Despite the result, the LTdL debutant insisted there was no sibling rivalry.
“I didn’t beat him. It was just a good day for me,” Ren Han said.
The brothers currently hold top-three spots in the Asian rider classification.
23-year-old Ren Bao sits in second at 19'09:38, less than four seconds behind leader Yuhi Todome of Aisan Racing.
Ren Han follows in third at 19'11:19.
Though both are climbing specialists, Ren Han admitted the 1,629m Hors Category climb was a significant challenge.
"I'm so relieved that it's over. It was brutal,” he said, adding that he plans to support his brother’s general classification bid over the final three stages.
"He’s a bit too far ahead, so I just need to help him get the best general classification time."
The pair also received a surprise boost on the climb from their sister, who travelled from Melbourne to watch.
"I didn't expect to see her. It was nice to have her see us both finish together," Ren Han said.
For Ren Bao, finishing behind his brother was a proud moment given it was his little brother’s first LTdL.
Stage 6 flags off today from Pandan Indah to Rembau.
The peloton will tackle three Category 3 climbs at Ampang, Bukit Hantu and Bukit Mendum alongside three sprints in Ulu Beranang, Rahang and Rembau over the 121.3km course.
