LANGKAWI — With the Le Tour de Langkawi set to kick off tomorrow, cyclists usually feel a blend of excitement and tension.
However, Simon Pellaud, the defending King of the Mountains champion racing for Team Tudor, is staying calm despite the unsettling news that his bike has yet to arrive.
During a press conference today, Pellaud outlined his strategy for tackling this unexpected situation, showcasing a level-headedness that distinguishes him in the competitive cycling world.
Pellaud acknowledges that there is little he can do at this point. If his bike does not arrive by tonight, he plans to borrow one from a teammate.
However, he is concerned that his sponsor, Bicycle Manufacturing Company (BMC), might not appreciate him racing on a different brand.
“I trained yesterday with one of my teammates who lent me his bike, and it was nice. However, I hope to have my bike by tonight as I’ve been informed it will be shipped from Dubai, at least one bike.
“I don’t think BMC will be happy if I break away and there are photos of me riding a different brand. I’m not anxious because I am just waiting to see how this situation progresses,” said Pellaud.
Pellaud explained why he remains calm with less than 24 hours before the race.
“I know I am in the best condition, so I don’t feel too affected by what has happened.
“As I said, there is nothing I can do at this moment. I can’t fly to Dubai to retrieve my bike because time is very limited.
“I can only wait, and I trust my mechanic to find the best solution,” he added.
Team Tudor is considered a strong contender for the LTdL this season, having secured two main jerseys last year, including the orange jersey for the King of Sprints, which was won by Arvid De Kleijn.
De Kleijn, nicknamed ‘Little Gorilla,’ also won two stages last season: the first from Kerteh to Kuala Terengganu and the sixth from Karak to Melaka.
This year, De Kleijn and Pellaud will team up with Rick Pluimers, Maikel Zijlaard, Nils Brun, and Sebastian Changizi Kolze to ensure Tudor achieves even greater success in this race. — September 28, 2024