Bentong, Malaysia – Arvid de Kleijn, the renowned sprinter from Tudor Pro Cycling Team, once again showcased his exceptional speed and tactical prowess, capturing Stage 4 of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024. The 131.2-kilometer stage, which took riders from Kuala Kubu Bharu to Dataran Bentong, culminated in a thrilling sprint finish that highlighted de Kleijn’s dominance.
Known affectionately as the “Little Gorilla” for his explosive power and determination, de Kleijn’s victory in Stage 4 marked his third stage win in LTdL, having previously won Stages 1 and 6 in 2023.
The stage itself was a grueling test for the riders, featuring challenging climbs that tested their endurance and technical skills. However, de Kleijn’s ability to conserve energy and position himself strategically for the final sprint paid off handsomely. In the closing meters, he unleashed a powerful burst of speed, leaving his rivals in his wake and securing a convincing victory.
Matteo Malucelli from JCL Team UKYO and Manuel Penalver from Team Polti Kometa completed the podium in second and third place, respectively. Mohamad Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff from Terengganu Cycling Team was the top Malaysian rider, finishing in 25th place.
Despite not claiming a podium finish, David Max Poole from Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL maintained his lead in the overall classification, retaining the Green Jersey. Poole, a 21-year-old climbing specialist, holds a slim advantage over Thomas Pesenti of JCL Team UKYO, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for the overall title.
The battle for the King of the Mountains jersey intensified, with Munoz Mario Aparicio from Burgos-BH taking the lead after Stage 4. Poole slipped to second place in the mountains classification, while Anthon Charmig from Astana Qazaqstan Team currently holds third.
Malucelli continued his dominance in the Sprint King competition, securing the Orange Jersey. De Kleijn and Gleb Syritsa from Astana Qazaqstan Team followed closely behind.
Also Read: LTdL 2024 Stage 3: Poole Soars to Victory, Claims Overall Lead
In the team standings, Equipo Kern Pharma remained at the top, holding a narrow lead over Astana Qazaqstan Team and Team Polti Kometa. JCL Team UKYO continued to lead the Asian category, followed by Thailand and Malaysia Pro Cycling.
The LTdL 2024 will continue on Thursday with Stage 5, starting from the PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and concluding in Melaka. The challenging stage will feature multiple sprint and climbing zones, promising more exciting action and potential changes in the overall standings.
