KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – In a major coup for Malaysian cycling fans, Norwegian cycling legend Alexander Kristoff is set to compete in the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) as part of the Uno-X Mobility ProTeam. Despite being at the tail end of his storied 20-year career, the 38-year-old is considered one of the key contenders to watch, bringing a wealth of experience and formidable sprinting prowess to the eight-day tour, which begins on September 28.
Kristoff’s participation is a significant honor for the Malaysian cycling event, especially since the rider has announced his retirement at the end of the current season. With 98 professional victories to his name, his presence adds a layer of excitement and star power to the tour’s 29th edition.
PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Emir Abdul Jalal, noted that Kristoff’s star power will undoubtedly attract crowds. “Although Kristoff has past his golden era, his presence at the PLTdL25 is enough to draw a crowd and with his vast experience riding in Grand Tours and monument classic races, it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to add to his win tally,” Emir said in a statement.
A Storied Career and a Fierce Sprint Battle
Kristoff is widely regarded as one of the most successful Norwegian cyclists in history. He was ranked second in the UCI in 2015 and placed second at the 2017 World Championships. His palmarès includes four stage wins at the Tour de France and three monument classic victories: Milan-San Remo, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Flanders. Even in the twilight of his career, Kristoff has shown he still has plenty of gas in the tank, recording two wins this year, including a recent stage victory at the Arctic Race of Norway on August 8.
Kristoff’s classic-style racing and ability to make solo breaks make him perfectly suited for the long and challenging stages of the PLTdL. However, he is not the only threat from the Uno-X Mobility team for the flat stages. The team also includes Erlend Blikra, the 2022 King of Sprints, who is a strong candidate to reclaim the King of Sprints orange jersey sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). Blikra’s presence sets up a fierce competition, as the battle for the orange jersey is set to be one of the most exciting aspects of the tour. The field is stacked with top-class sprinters, including defending champion Matteo Malucelli and Gleb Syritsa (XDS Astana), Alberto Dainese (Tudor), Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani), and Fabio Jakobsen (Picnic PostNL).
A Three-Pronged Attack for the General Classification
Uno-X Mobility has also brought a formidable trio to challenge for the PETRONAS-sponsored green jersey for the general classification. The team will pin its hopes on a combination of experience and promising young talent:
- Amund Grondahl Jansen: The 31-year-old former Lotto-Jumbo rider and 2019 Norwegian national champion has an impressive five Tour de France appearances.
- Anders Halland Johanessen: The 25-year-old, who finished 76th overall at the Tour de France this year, has shown great form, winning the Tour of Slovenia in June.
- Johannes Kulset: A 21-year-old rider from Uno-X’s development team, Kulset showed his potential by finishing 47th overall at the Tour de France last year and winning the Best Young Rider jersey at the Tour of AIUla earlier this year.
With a well-balanced squad capable of competing on both hilly and flat terrains, Uno-X is coming to the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) more prepared than in their previous appearance in 2022, where their best rider finished third overall. The team’s lineup is rounded out by the young Danish rider Simon Dalby, 22, who will serve as a crucial domestique.
Also Read: Jakobsen to Lead Team Picnic PostNL’s Challenge at PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25)
The 29th edition of the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) is a 2.ProSeries status race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar. It will pass through all 12 states on the peninsula, covering a total distance of 1,243.5km, starting in Langkawi Island on September 28 and ending at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur on October 5.
