Algerian rider, Youcef Reguigui pulled off a sensational victory in stage seven of the 2015 Le Tour de Langkawi on Saturday stretching from Shah Alam to Fraser's Hill, involving a distance of 180.8km.
The results saw the 25-year-old rider take over the yellow jersey from Australian rider, Caleb Ewan of Orica GreenEdge who had held the jersey since stage three on Tuesday.
In today's race, Reguigui made a bold move by sprinting in the last 10km of Fraser's Hill challenging pathway which was 1,105 metres above sea level before crossing the finishing line in 4 hours 38 minutes and 41 seconds with a bunch of riders.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Reguigui said, he dedicated the victory to his new-born baby, Messah who was delivered by his wife, recently.
"I also would like to thank all of my teammates and also the organisers for this victory...I was happy to win this stage for the first time in my debut," he said.
"On the path, it was not an easy climb for me and also for everybody. However, I was grateful since my body weight was not so heavy, so it had made my task easier to climb up this path," he said.
Reguigui, who was making his maiden appearance in the race, was also confident of retaining the yellow jersey heading to the final stage, tomorrow despite only having a 10-second advantage against his closest rival, Colombian rider, Sebastian Henao of Team Sky.
"The distance in tomorrow's race is not far, so I'm expecting that it will be controlled by sprinters from Orica GreenEdge or Astana Pro Team but hopefully, I can keep this jersey," he said.
Ewan, on the other hand, said he was a bit disappointed after losing the yellow jersey but was eager to bounce back to reclaim the jersey.
He finished in 72nd place out of 117 riders after clocking 4 hours 53 minutes and 09 seconds.
"My leg was not so strong to climb up this path. I was trying to hang on in the last 10km but it was too hard for me.
"I'm a little suprised with his (Reguigui) victory. He maybe is not a good sprinter but he has strong legs to get past this stage," Ewan added.
He, however, was set to clinch the Blue Jersey as King of Sprint after collecting 75 points, 12 points ahead of Reguigui with one more stage left.
In today's race, Japanese rider, Tomohiro Hayakawa of Aisan Racing Team also took over the white jersey as Asian best rider from China's Zhang Wenlong of Giant-Champion System Pro Cycling who dropped to fifth placing overall.
He posted 26 hours 13 minutes and 24 seconds while Zhang was 3 minutes and 10 seconds behind him.
United States rider, Kiel Reijnen of UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling on the other hand, was set to retain the red jersey which he held since stage one after collecting 39 points, 19 points ahead of Spanish rider, Francisco Mancebo of Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team.
Tomorrow, all 115 riders are set to compete in the final stage involving a distance of 96.1km from Kuala Kubu Baharu to Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur with three sprint zones at Serendah and also two others near Kuala Lumpur, besides a climbing zones at Selayang.
Bernama
Sun Mar 15 2015
Reguigui made a bold move by sprinting in the last 10km of Fraser's Hill challenging pathway. - Bernama pic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.