KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Swiss ProTeam, Tudor Pro Cycling Team, is set to make a strong push for stage victories at the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) with its new sprint specialist, Alberto Dainese. The eight-day race, which runs from September 28 to October 5, will feature a high-calibre field of 22 teams.
While previous Tudor sprinter Arvid de Kleijn, a four-time stage winner at the PLTdL, is not on the team’s preliminary roster, Dainese brings an even bigger reputation to the race. The 27-year-old Italian has an impressive track record, including two stage victories at the Giro d’Italia in 2022 and 2023, as well as a stage win at the Vuelta a España in 2023.
PLTdL25 Chief Operating Officer, Emir Abdul Jalal, believes Dainese’s presence demonstrates Tudor’s determination to dominate the flat stages and reclaim the King of Sprints orange jersey. “Dainese has a bigger reputation and experience on the Grand Tour stage, even though this will be his first appearance at PLTdL, a race known for its unique challenges of competing in more extreme weather,” said Emir.
A Balanced Roster with Diverse Ambitions
Tudor’s preliminary six-rider lineup for the PLTdL25 is a mix of sprint-focused riders and climbers, indicating the team’s dual strategy for both stage wins and overall classification. The other riders on the roster are:
- Robin Froideraux and Mika Heming: These two riders are expected to act as Dainese’s key lead-out men, helping to position him for the fast-paced sprint finishes.
- Yannis Voisard: Voisard is the team’s best bet to challenge for the overall individual green jersey. He also has Giro experience and a strong record in European classics and stage races.
- Mathys Rondel and Roland Thalmann: These riders will be crucial support for Voisard, particularly on the more challenging climbing stages. They will be tasked with protecting him and assisting him on the two key climbs on Stage 3 and Stage 5.
Voisard’s strong climbing abilities make him Tudor’s best hope for both the PETRONAS green jersey and the King of the Mountains polka dot jersey, as Tudor’s best riders have previously finished in the middle of the pack for the general classification.
The Race Route and International Field
The PLTdL25 holds ProSeries status on the UCI Asia Tour calendar and is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through the National Sports Council (MSN) in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).
This year’s edition will traverse all 12 states in Peninsular Malaysia over a total distance of 1,243.5km. The eight stages of the race will offer diverse challenges, from the flat sprint finishes to the mountainous terrain of the Titiwangsa Mountains on Stage 3 and the climb to Fraser’s Hill on Stage 5.
The race will feature a top-tier field of 22 teams, including three WorldTeams, eight ProTeams, ten Continental teams, and the Malaysian national team, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive and exciting event for cycling fans.
