Bukit Jalil – Just days before the start of the Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024, which will kick off its 28th edition in Langkawi on September 29, three Pro teams have made significant changes to their lineups, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming race.
The Spanish-based Kern Pharma team will be led by Miguel Angel Fernandez, a 27-year-old sprinter who won two stages in the Tour of Hainan last August. The team has made six rider substitutions in their latest submission to LTdL organizers.
Previously, Kern Pharma had listed Pablo Castrillo, a young Spanish rider who won two stages at the recent Vuelta a Espana and secured third place overall in LTdL 2023. However, Castrillo had to forgo this year’s LTdL due to his selection for the Spanish national team for the UCI World Championships.
Meanwhile, the Corratec team will be banking on Jakub Mareczko, a stage winner in the Tour of Hainan 2024, to lead their challenge from Italy. Mareczko, a veteran of the LTdL with four stage wins to his name, will be supported by a strong Italian and Swiss contingent.
The Italian-based VF Group Bardiani team has also made changes to their lineup, replacing three riders with David Gabburo, Alex Tolio, and Luca Paletti. Known for their consistent performance in the LTdL, Bardiani will be a force to be reckoned with in the pursuit of stage wins.
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A total of 22 teams will compete in LTdL 2024, which will cover a total distance of 1,190 kilometers starting from Langkawi Island and for the first time entering Miri and Bintulu in Sarawak. With the unpredictable weather conditions in recent times, the riders will face a challenging task in this year’s edition of the race.
