BINTULU, 5th October 2024 – Italian sprinter Matteo Malucelli from JCL Team Ukyo delivered a thrilling performance to claim Stage 7 of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL 2024) on Saturday. The 30-year-old outpaced the Tudor Pro Cycling Team duo of Arvid de Kleijn and Maikel Zijlaard in a dramatic final sprint to secure the victory.
The stage, which covered 199.3 kilometers from Miri Waterfront to Lasar Kenyalang, saw Malucelli cross the finish line in 4 hours, 18 minutes, and 3 seconds. His powerful surge in the closing meters allowed him to slip through the pack and secure the win.
A Thrilling Finish
The stage was marked by a high-speed finish, with the peloton sprinting towards the finish line. Malucelli, known for his explosive speed, timed his sprint to perfection, surging past de Kleijn and Zijlaard in the final meters. The victory solidified Malucelli’s position as one of the top sprinters in the race.
Malucelli’s Tactical Masterclass
The Italian’s victory was not just a result of his raw speed, but also his tactical acumen. Malucelli and his JCL Team Ukyo teammates carefully positioned themselves in the peloton throughout the stage, waiting for the right moment to launch their attack. The team’s strategy paid off, as Malucelli was able to find an opening and deliver a decisive sprint.
Overall Standings
Meanwhile, David Max Poole from Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL remains the overall leader in the LTdL, despite finishing 50th in Stage 7. The 21-year-old climbing specialist from Great Britain now holds a 13-second lead over JCL Team Ukyo’s Thomas Pesenti.
The battle for the King of the Sprint jersey continues to heat up between Malucelli and de Kleijn. De Kleijn, who won Stages 4 and 5, currently holds the Orange Jersey with 66 points, while Malucelli is close behind with 65 points.
Looking Ahead to Stage 8
The final stage of LTdL 2024 will take place on Sunday, covering a distance of 147.5 kilometers starting and ending at Lasar Kenyalang. The stage will feature three sprint zones, and the overall winners of the race will be crowned.
Also Read: LTdL 2024 Stage 6: Tarozzi Outsprints de Bod for Thrilling Win
As the race approaches its conclusion, the excitement is building. With Malucelli and de Kleijn battling for the King of the Sprint jersey and Poole leading the overall classification, the final stage is sure to be a thrilling finale to the LTdL 2024.
