KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – In a last-minute shake-up to the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25), lineup, Spanish ProTeam Equipo Kern Pharma has been confirmed as a replacement for the WorldTeam, Cofidis. Far from being a mere stand-in, the team joins with a clear objective: to defend the overall team classification victory they secured in last year’s race. With three riders who have previously competed in Malaysia and a roster in formidable form, Equipo Kern Pharma is poised to be a major contender for the prestigious Green Jersey.
The decision to invite Equipo Kern Pharma was a strategic one, according to Emir Abdul Jalal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25). He highlighted that the team was at the top of their list of potential replacements, a testament to their strong performance in previous editions. “This shows recognition and a strong desire from the team to race in Malaysia,” Emir stated. “Especially after they won the team title and their rider, Unai Iribar, finished only 20 seconds behind last year’s PETRONAS Green Jersey winner, Max Poole.“
The team’s success in the 2024 tour was well-documented. Equipo Kern Pharma clinched the team general classification with a total time of 79:24:12, besting strong teams like Astana Qazaqstan Team and Polti Kometa. The individual performance of Unai Iribar Jauregi, who finished an impressive third overall with a time of 26:28:04 in his debut, further solidifies his role as the team’s leader for this year’s general classification challenge.
In-Form Roster with a Familiar Edge
The six-man roster brings a blend of experience and recent success. In addition to Iribar, the team will field two other returning riders who are familiar with the demanding Malaysian terrain: Jorge Gutierrez Gonzalez, a top-10 finisher in 2024, and climber Ivan Cobo Cayion, who raced in the 2023 edition. Their experience will be crucial on the hilly stages, particularly on the climbs of Stage 3 (Gerik-Pasir Puteh) and the challenging Stage 5 (Temerloh-Bukit Fraser).
Despite a recent disappointment in failing to secure a wildcard for the Vuelta a Espana, the team has maintained a busy and successful racing schedule. The riders have collected three victories this season, with several impressive stage finishes across Europe and Asia. Sprinter Marc Brustenga Masague, a former WorldTeam rider with Lidl-Trek, has consistently been in contention for podium spots, with a fourth-place finish in the Tour of Hongrie and two fifth-place finishes in the Presidential Tour of Turkiye. He will be supported by Miguel Angel Fernandez Ruiz, a former Burgos-BH rider, who also achieved two fourth-place finishes in this year’s Tour of Qinghai Lake.
On the climbing front, while Iribar’s recent form has been inconsistent, his teammates have shown exceptional prowess. Ivan Cobo Cayion has a list of strong results this year, including finishing fourth overall in O Gran Camino, 11th overall in the Tour of Qinghai Lake, and third in the Tour du Doubs. These results, combined with Gutierrez Gonzalez’s experience, make for a formidable climbing duo.
A Team to Watch
According to Emir, the team’s consistent delivery of impressive results has been a hallmark of their performances in their two previous appearances in 2023 and 2024. Their collective strength led to multiple podium finishes and secured the team’s overall victory last year. This consistent performance, Emir insists, makes them a “team to watch” at this year’s LTdL.
The 29th edition of the LTdL25 is a 2.ProSeries event on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). The race spans a total distance of 1,224.2km over eight stages, passing through all 12 states in Peninsular Malaysia. It will begin on Langkawi Island on September 28 and conclude with a grand finish at KLCC on October 5.
The presence of Equipo Kern Pharma, a team currently ranked 27th among UCI ProTeams, ensures that the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25) will maintain its status as a highly competitive and exciting race. Their proven track record and strong roster show they are not just filling a void but are here to compete for the highest honours.
