KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – The Australian Continental team, St George Continental Cycling Team, has confirmed its return to the prestigious PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25) after a year’s absence. While the team is a familiar face on the Asian racing circuit, its participation this year carries a unique significance, driven by the presence of young Malaysian rider Tsen Ren Bao, who is set to be a key attraction for local fans.
Ren Bao, the son of Malaysian cycling legend Tsen Seong Hoong, was signed by the team last March. His inclusion on the roster was a decisive factor in the invitation extended to St George, as confirmed by the race organizers. According to Emir Abdul Jalal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25), the move is a deliberate effort to support the promising young rider’s professional development.
“We know our local fans want to see Ren Bao ride with his professional team at LTdL25,” said Emir. “That’s why we invited St George again for the first time since 2023. This is also our way of supporting Ren Bao’s professional career, as he is a talented and promising new-generation rider.“
The 21-year-old cyclist, who is the reigning national individual time trial (ITT) runner-up, will be making his second appearance at the Tour. Despite competing in more than 10 races this year, his season has been marked by a series of unfortunate accidents and injuries. His return to the LTdL provides him with a prime opportunity to demonstrate his potential on home soil in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Last year, in his debut, he finished 56th in the overall individual classification, a solid performance for a first-timer.
A Mix of Youth and Experience
Ren Bao will be joined by five other riders who will tackle the challenging eight-stage race. The team’s roster features a blend of youth and experience, aimed at competing for a top spot in the general classification while also seeking stage wins. The most experienced riders on the squad are Ben Carman, a 30-year-old former Bolton Equities-Black Spoke rider who joined the team in August, and British rider Daniel Whitehouse, also 30, who has been designated as the team’s main contender for a top spot in the overall classification.
Supporting them are three young talents: New Zealand-born Mitchel Fitzsimons (22) and Australians Nate Hadden (19) and Declan Tresize (23). Fitzsimons and Hadden will focus on the flat stages, where their sprinting abilities can be put to the test, while Tresize, a versatile rider with experience training with top-tier teams like Astana, will serve a key support role.
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Interestingly, the team’s lineup does not include two of their top-performing riders from this year, Nick Kergozou and Tom Sexton. The roster, therefore, places a significant amount of responsibility on Whitehouse and the young riders to deliver strong results.
The 29th edition of PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25) is a 2.ProSeries event on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, solidifying its status as one of Asia’s most prestigious races. It is set to draw 22 teams from around the world. The race will begin on September 28 on Langkawi Island and conclude on October 5 in front of the PETRONAS Twin Towers (KLCC), covering a total distance of 1,244.2km as it passes through all 12 states in Peninsular Malaysia.
The return of St George, catalyzed by the presence of a local hero, adds a unique and compelling narrative to the international event, promising an exciting and highly anticipated race for Malaysian fans.
