CELIS STEALS INTO KLUANG; SOHRABI STILL IN YELLOW

KLUANG (9 March 2011) – It was not so much of a gamble than having a little ‘inside information’ but in the end, that extra edge provided Vidal Celis of the Le Tua Cycling Team with the impetus to start sprinting 300metres to the finish for his first win in Stage Two of the Jelajah Malaysia 2011 from Bandar Penawar to Kluang.

The Spaniard said afterwards that after the lead out from his team-mates, he was all ready for a bunch finish but his team manager (Johari Nayan) told him the ride to the finish line will have a downward slope which he could take advantage.

“It was because of what he said that I sprinted away earlier than anyone else in the group,” said the 29-year-old Celis.

“And after the turn at the traffic light, I was already in front with the downhill in front of me so that it did not take a lot to finish the race and take the stage.”

With the stage being long and arduous stretching some 204km, the ride along the east coast presented the peloton with little chance to enjoy the view or take in the sea air.

And with the cloud always threatening to open up, the peloton dotted with several breakaways before settling on one main group to be followed by splinters clocked in an average speed of 41km/hr to complete the route in just under five hours – 4:53:14 to be exact.

Just to prove how tough and punishing it was for the 154 riders who registered this morning, one decided not to start at all while twelve of the starters failed to finish the race and had to be broomed up.

Mehdi Sohrabi, the stage winner yesterday still maintained his hold of the tour leader yellow jersey as well as the blue jersey of the best Asian rider.

“It was not a very good day for me, I’m very tired,” added the Tabriz Petrochemical Team rider. “But we are confident for tomorrow and my team will be better tomorrow.”

With Daniel Westmahelmann of Team Eddy Merckx-Indeland picking up just another point at Ulu Belitong to extend his hold of the King of the Mountain Red jersey for another day, Mohd Hariff Salleh came in third on the stage to ensure that he will start tomorrow’s Stage Three in the best ranked Malaysian rider white jersey.

“It was very tiring especially when in the last 30km I had to struggle with a cramp,” added Hariff of the Terengganu Cycling Team, who is also in the sprinters’ Green jersey.

“After two days, we have not yet gotten a stage win. I hope that we can do it tomorrow.”

Stage Three tomorrow will see the peloton starting from Kluang to Kuala Rompin – a 158.2km ride which should provide just the right headwind to make it a little more challenging for the 141 riders left on this year’s tour.

STAGE TWO RESULTS