KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – After a subdued performance last year, the Italian ProTeam Polti-VisitMalta is set to make a triumphant return to the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL) with a clear and aggressive strategy: to target the overall individual classification. Influenced by cycling legends Ivan Basso and Alberto Contador, the team has revealed a six-rider roster, anchored by an unusually strong contingent of four climbers, a move that signals their determination to make a definitive impact on the 29th edition of the race.
The team’s renewed focus on the climbing stages is a direct result of their experience in the previous edition, where they failed to win any stages and saw their best rider finish fourth overall. This year, they are betting on their “all-rounder” climbers to challenge for both the coveted PETRONAS-sponsored Green Jersey and the King of the Mountain jersey. The roster is led by 27-year-old Italian rider Davide Bais, a notable name in the European peloton who has competed in the Giro d’Italia three times and, most impressively, won Stage 7 of the prestigious Grand Tour in 2023.
PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Emir Abdul Jalal, noted that the team’s strategy reflects their intent to repay the organiser’s invitation with a strong performance. “Many teams that race in the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi for the first time want to deliver their best results to show appreciation and repay the organiser’s invitation, as well as to hopefully earn additional points to be invited again in the future,” said Emir in a statement. “I feel that Polti, who raced as Polti-Kometa last year, wants to target a stage winner and an overall individual classification winner this year and consequently be invited again in the future.“
A Determined Roster with a Mix of Youth and Experience
The team’s lineup is a strategic blend of rising talent and a returning competitor seeking redemption. Joining Bais in the climbing squad are Spanish cyclist Alex Martin, 25, and Colombian-born German Dario Gomez, 24. A familiar face from last year’s race, Fernando Lopez Tercero, 23, also returns. Tercero’s fourth-place finish in the 2024 overall classification demonstrates his potential, and with the added support of three other climbers, he could be a strong contender for a podium spot this year.
Emir highlighted the strategic importance of this climber-heavy lineup. “It will be interesting to see Polti’s strategic moves at Stage 3 (Gerik-Pasir Puteh) and Stage 5 (Temerloh-Bukit Fraser) since there are Category 1 climbs on both routes,” he said. These two stages, with their gruelling ascents, are expected to be the battlegrounds where the overall classification will be decided, playing directly into the strengths of the Polti-VisitMalta team.
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While their focus is on the mountains, Polti-VisitMalta has not neglected the flat stages. The team is also fielding a strong sprinting duo, led by Manuel Penalver. The 26-year-old Spanish rider is in excellent form, having secured a stage win at the Tour of Qinghai Lake this year, along with two second-place finishes. Penalver’s past performance in Malaysia, where he finished second in Butterworth and third in Bentong last year, makes him a serious contender for stage victories. Supporting him will be another young Italian-born sprinter, Gabriele Reccagni, 22, providing the team with a powerful push to the finish line on the flatter routes.
A Test of Endurance Across Peninsular Malaysia
The 29th edition of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (LTdL25), a 2.ProSeries tour on the UCI Asia Tour calendar, promises to be a rigorous test for all competitors. The race will cross all 12 states in Peninsular Malaysia over eight days, covering a total distance of 1,243.5km. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through the National Sports Council (MSN) in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), the tour is a highlight on the regional cycling calendar.
The race will kick off in Langkawi Island on September 28 with a 96.5km first stage before continuing its journey across the country. The route includes Stage 2 from Padang Besar to Kepala Batas (170.1km), Stage 3 from Gerik to Pasir Puteh (198.2km), Stage 4 from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman (140.8km), and the decisive Stage 5 from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill (133.7km). The final stages include a route from Shah Alam to Port Dickson (123.4km), a marathon stage from Melaka to Medini (214.6km), and the grand finale on October 5 from Tangkak to Kuala Lumpur (180.5km), concluding in front of the iconic KLCC.
With a determined lineup and a clear strategy, Polti-VisitMalta is set to be one of the most exciting teams to watch, as they aim to transform their past disappointments into a shining victory on Malaysian soil.
