MTN-Qhubeka have reacted coldly to news of the route change at the Tour de Langkawi, which sees the removal of the marquee summit finish Genting Highlands on the penultimate day in favour of a shorter and gentler climb.
The Genting climb has featured in every edition of the race bar one, always promising general classification drama in an otherwise sprint-heavy race. Safety concerns over the construction work at the resort prompted a move to Fraser’s Hill, less suited to the pure climbers.
The change, which was only announced on the eve of the race, has forced teams to reconsider their strategies. MTN-Qhubeka's climber, 21-year-old Merhawi Kudus, was second in the Genting stage and second overall last year, and the team had built its plans purely around that one climb.
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“For us it’s a serious problem,” directeur sportif Michel Cornelisse told Cyclingnews. “Four riders of our team came especially for that stage – it was the one for us where we wanted to try and do something.”
“It’s a big disappointment when you come here – travelling across the world – and the race is almost flat and the mountain stage is out. Kudus was second last year, so we wanted to try to win here this year. We are here now so must make the best of it, but we were not really happy with it.”
As for a change in approach, Cornelisse rued the fact that the late announcement has meant there is little he can do.
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