10th Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi - 2.HC

Malaysia, January 28-February 6, 2005

Photography

Team presentation - January 27
Stage 1 - January 28: Langkawi - Langkawi, 106.9 km
Stage 2 - January 29: Kangar - Kepala Batas, 171.6 km
Stage 3 - January 30: Gerik - Tanah Merah, 172.5 km
Stage 4 - January 31: Bachok ITT, 20.3 km
Stage 5 - February 1: Kota Bahru - Kuala Terengganu, 163.9 km
Stage 6 - February 2: Kuala Berang - Cukai in Terengganu, 152 km
Stage 7 - February 3: Maran - Raub, 167.7 km
Stage 8 - February 4: Kuala Kubu Bahru - Genting, 97.9 km
Stage 9 - February 5: Menara Kuala Lumpur - Putrajaya, 164.8 km
Stage 10 - February 6: Kuala Lumpur Criterium, 65 km

Team presentation - January 27

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Barloworld is the first team presented on the eve of the 10th Telekom Malaysia Tour de Langkawi.
To be sure, to be sure - Ireland come in all shapes and sizes, big and small.
Iran are next, with Ghader Mizbani back for another shot at the overall title.
Wot you lookin' at, geezer? The team from Great Britain.
Wismilak has two Aussies in their Pro Continental Team, David McKenzie and Chris Bradford.
The all-Japanese outfit from Bridgestone Anchor.
The all-German Team Wiesenhof.
Navigators Insurance hope to head in the right direction with riders like Nathan O'Neill and Cesar Grajales.
Mr. Bookmaker.com-Sports Tech has an outside chance with Belgian Kurt Van De Wouwer.
The Belgian squad of Landbouwkrediet-Colnago.
Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare should have a few riders in good form, having just come from the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under in Adelaide.
The mostly Polish Action team.
Acqua e Sapone-Adria Mobil will most likely be looking for stage wins.
Liberty Seguros has a big star in Langkawi in the form of Joseba Beloki.
Domina Vacanze's outfits blend in with the tropical environs.
Discovery Channel will be the team to beat, with 2003 winner Tom Danielson and Michael Barry.
Credit Agricole is led by team sprinter Julian Dean.
Colombia-Selle Italia believe Jose Rujano can follow in the footsteps of 2004 winner Freddy Gonzalez.
Malaysian team Proton T-Bikes.
The Malaysian national team.
The two Malaysian teams in the Le Tour de Langkawi, Proton T-Bikes and the Malaysian national team.
A horde of photographers were in the pits, shooting all the action.

Stage 1 - January 28: Langkawi - Langkawi, 106.9 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Julian Winn (Great Britain) prepares for today's first stage of Le Tour de Langkawi.
Domina Vacanze sign on.
Colombia-Selle Italia like Langkawi and will be force in this year's race.
Waiting for the start.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) back after missing last year's race.
Tonton Susanto (Wismilak) looks focused.
Tom Southam (Barloworld) too cool for school.
The peloton on their way in the 10th year of Le Tour de Langkawi.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) leads Paidi O'Brien (Ireland) in an early breakaway.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor), however, was soon on his own.
The peloton was just cruising early on.
The peloton passing by Langkawi Airport.
Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare then took the reins to reel in the breakaway that had formed to 18 riders.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) was part of the lead group.
The lead group's advantage went out to one and a half minutes before being brought back by Panaria.
Panaria-Navigare get on the front in an effort to bring back the break.
The peloton strung out single file.
At the first KOM, Kristian House (Great Britain) took the honours.
Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare were still pushing the pace up the hill.
Discovery Channel also played their part in chasing down the leaders.
Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) rode well in the first half of the race, but suffered in the latter stages.
Kristian House (Great Britain) and Ryan Cox Barloworld) make a break after the leaders were caught with 5km to go.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) has finally had some luck after some bad form recently.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) is congratulated by his manager.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) with his prize.
Mahdi Sohrabi (Iran) took the lead in the Asian rider competition today.
Kristian House (Great Britain) is the KOM leader after the opening stage.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) in the sprinters' jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) in the yellow jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) among the other jersey winners.
Graeme Brown (Ceramiche Panaria-Navigare) was in good spirits at the press conference.
Liberty Seguros having a couple of laughs before the start in Kuah.
Traffic was brought to a standstill as the race calvalcade made its way around the island of Langkawi.
It's a tough life, but somebody's gotta do it - a family cruise by on a yacht, passing the mountain where a cable car takes tourists back and forth between the two peaks.

Stage 2 - January 29: Kangar - Kepala Batas, 171.6 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) is the team's new hope for 2005.
Some of the pre-race entertainment.
The peloton stretches out on a hot day in paradise.
Fallanie Ali (Proton T-Bikes) leads Takashi Miyazawa Bridgestone Anchor) in the breakaway that lasted 150 kilometres.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare led the bunch the whole way today.
The peloton pass by the palm plantations.
Fallanie Ali (Proton T-Bikes) and Takashi Miyazawa (Bridgestone Anchor) getting some media attention.
The peloton under the midday sun.
The peloton pass some road works.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare controlled the race today.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare always had the breakaway under control.
Some local support.
Brett Lancaster (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) gets some airtime crossing a dodgy rail crossing.
The two leaders had a lead over 10 minutes at one stage.
Takashi Miyazawa (Bridgestone Anchor) worked hard and collected the best Asian rider jersey at the end of the day's racing.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare lead the group through rolling terain in the closing kilometres.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare in formation.
The peloton stretches out as the pace quickens.
With 20km to go, the breakaway was caught and instantly, attempts were made, but to no avail.
Guillermo Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes the win ahead of team-mate Graeme Brown.
Guillermo Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on the podium.
Takashi Miyazawa (Bridgestone Anchor) in his best Asian rider jersey.
Kristian House (Great Britain) retained his mountains jersey.
Guillermo Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) was there today to claim his sprinters' jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) pleased to still be in yellow.
All the jersey winners.
Fallanie Ali (Proton T-Bikes) recovers after a long, hot day in the saddle.
Two-wheeled transport is certainly popular in Malaysia, but the motorised variety is much preferred.

Stage 3 - January 30: Gerik - Tanah Merah, 172.5 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

A local snack bar at the start of today's racing in Gerik.
The sign-on area at the start of what was to be a hot day.
Enthusiastic locals cheer on their favourites.
There was a large crowd at the town of Gerik this morning.
Mountains leader Kristian House (Great Britain) on his way to signing on for the first day of real hills.
Stop! It's the Le Tour de Langkawi 2005.
The riders get some culture in before the start today.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) on his long breakaway.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) is a lone rider up the second KOM.
The peloton make their way up at a steady pace.
The peloton underestimated Koji's ability today.
Julio Perez Cuapio (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) gets some running repairs.
Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel Cycling Team) plays water-boy.
After 172.5 km alone, Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) crosses the line to take an emotional victory.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) on his way to the podium.
The largely intact peloton, come flying in for second place.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) is beaten by Denis Bertolini (Acqua & Sapone-Adria Mobil) for second place.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) with some new fans.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) a happy man.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) blesses the podium presenters.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) in the 10th anniversary Le Tour de Langkawi.
Takashi Miyazawa (Bridgestone Anchor) still wears the best Asian rider jersey.
Kristian House (Great Britain) holds onto the KOM jersey, although he's now lying second overall in the competition.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) lost his yellow jersey today, but took back the blue sprinters' jersey.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) looking good in yellow.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) tells of his delight at the press conference.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) still happy to be in the limelight.
All bovine, all the time at the Tour de Langkawi. The sign translates to: Danger - Wild Elephants Crossing.

Stage 4 - January 31: Bachok ITT, 20.3 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

As usual the locals came out for a look.
Some cool kids.
Giuseppe Palumbo (Acqua & Sapone-Adria Mobil) makes his way past the palms.
Brett Lancaster (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished in 20th place.
Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) was nearly four minutes down.
Russell Van Hout (Columbia-Selle Italia) just out of the top 10 in 11th place, 52 seconds down on stage winner Nathan O'Neill.
Trent Wilson (Columbia-Selle Italia) passing the rice fields in Bachok.
Tonton Susanto (Wismilak) is Indonesia's GC hope.
Today's winner Nathan O'Neill (Navigators Insurance) in full flight.
David McKenzie (Wismilak) getting used to the tropical weather.
Beppu Fumiyuki (Discovery Channel) finished 10th.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) is looking fit for this year.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) rides off into the distance.
Michael Barry (Discovery Channel) is still on track for a GC win.
Tiaan Kannemeyer (Barloworld) rode into fifth place on GC after placing fourth on the stage.
Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel) in action.
Marlon Perez (Columbia-Selle Italia) was 27 seconds down on O'Neill.
Action in action - Action rider Marcin Osinski in action.
Jose Rujano (Columbia-Selle Italia) also looks good for a high placing this race.
Alireza Haghi (Iran) was the fastest Asian rider in today's time trial.
Geoffroy Lequatre (Credit Agricole) passing the palms.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) finished second, and is now third overall.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) rode well enough today to hold onto the yellow jersey.
Nathan O'Neill (Navigators Insurance) on the winner's podium.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) maintains his lead in the Asian rider competition.
Kristian House (Great Britain), still in his KOM jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) in the sprint jersey.
Todays jersey winners.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) is quite the carracter and is enjoying his time in yellow.

Stage 5 - February 1: Kota Bahru - Kuala Terengganu, 163.9 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Ben Day (Mr. Bookmaker.com-Sports Tech) had mechanical problems before the stage start.
The Bridgestone Anchor boys lead the peloton through the neutral section.
The peloton ride under a bright archway.
The school kids were olut in force today.
Sven Sijmens (Landbouwkredit-Colnago) leading the early breakaway.
The peloton passing a scenic point along stage 5.
The peloton passing a less scenic point along stage 5.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) in the bunch.
The peloton passing the all too familiar coconut trees.
The break cornering.
The Japanese riders from Bridgestone Anchor controlling the speed.
The peloton were closing in on the break.
Bridgestone Anchor were still at the front as the breakaway were caught.
Paidi O'Brien (Ireland) had a go after the break was caught, but lasted only 20 kilometres.
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare were putting in more effort in the second half.
Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel) waits to help team-mate Michael Barry as they stock up on liquid.
The pace was on with 20km to go.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes his second stage victory.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) accepts the applause from the crowd.
Alireza Haghi (Iran) wears the best Asian rider jersey.
Kristian House (Great Britain) still wears the KOM jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) still in blue.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) a crowd favourite.
Today's jersey winners.

Stage 6 - February 2: Kuala Berang - Cukai in Terengganu, 152 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

The Ceramica Panaria-Navigare boys prepare themselves for another day at the front
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) still in contention for GC
Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) lines up before stage 6
The peloton didn't always have Ceramica Panaria-Navigare at the head of affairs
Another scenic location
The peloton ride off through Malaysia
A few dragons take a break
David Duffield gets the crowd going at the finish area
The local police are always on the job
Even the locals need some protection from the sun
Malaysians for peace
Just checking things out
The crowd is always very enthusiastic
As usual, the Ceramica Panaria-Navigare guys are at the front in the final sprint
Ruben Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) has a turn winning today
Ruben Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) feeling the heat
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) is always willing to pose for the camera
The jersey winners cool down before the presentation
Team-mates, yet rivals - Graeme Brown and Ruben Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare)
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) accepts the best Asian rider award one more time
Kristian House (Great Britain) wears his familiar mountains jersey, but today for real
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) in the sprinters' jersey
Always smiling
More excited fans
Big smile - and big chops, too!
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) can't believe he's still in yellow
Ruben Bongiorno (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) looks on, in the shade
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) loving every minute
Today's jersey winners
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) has a new legion of fans
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) answers questions at the press conference
The local police finished for the day
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) surrounded by fans and media
The promo girls. Enuff said.

Images by John Pierce/PhotoSport International

Always check your tyre pressure before driving in Malaysia.

Stage 7 - February 3: Maran - Raub, 167.7 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) is a man of many talents, today entertaining the crowd with his harmonica playing.
Colombia-Selle Italia DS Gianni Savio in colourful surroundings.
Tom Southam (Barloworld) awaits today's start in Maran.
Some more crazy kids.
Domina Vacanze talk tactics.
Russell Van Hout (Colombia-Selle Italia) will, like the rest of his team, be sacrificing everything for their leader Jose Rujano.
Today's only breakaway head down the road.
The break in action.
Hungry photographers await their feed.
Moreno Di Biase (Colombia-Selle Italia) was looking good for the win...
... but Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) was on the prowl, and a winner-in-waiting.
It's going to be a close one.
Moreno Di Biase (Colombia-Selle Italia) celebrates too early.
Ecstasy and agony Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes a close win.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on the winner's podium.
Asian leader Alizera Haghi (Iran).
Kristian House (Great Britain) gets a hand putting on his KOM jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) is having a great tour.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) enjoys what could be his last day in yellow, with the Genting climb tomorrow.
All the jersey winners.
Hiyaaa! Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) holds his bike up high.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) at the press conference.
Time to pack up.

Stage 8 - February 4: Kuala Kubu Bahru - Genting, 97.9 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Marlon Perez (Colombia-Selle Italia) was in good spirits, despite knowing what lay ahead.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) was a big favourite for this stage after finishing fourth last year.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) heads towards the sign-on area.
The peloton against the light in the neutral zone.
The peloton on their way to Genting.
Colombia-Selle Italia were on the front most of the way to the climb.
Russell Van Hout (Colombia-Selle Italia) has a turn at the front.
The peloton on flatter ground.
The two Landbouwkrediet-Colnago boys in a lead over the bunch.
The peloton start the climb.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) shows the face of a champion as he hits the lower slopes of Genting.
The peloton still together.
Joseba Beloki (Liberty- Seguros) finished well down at 15'36".
Eric Leblacher (Credit Agricole) did the first major attack on the slopes of Genting.
Leonardo Scarselli (Colombia-Selle Italia) worked well for his team; here he is on a small descent.
There was now a group of contenders with only Scarselli out in front.
There was plenty of tension in the lead group.
The climb starts getting steeper.
Marlon Perez (Colombia-Selle Italia) leads the group.
Fortunato Baliani (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) attempts to shake things up.
The group kept its pace up.
Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) and Ryan Cox (Barloworld) attack and take the lead.
Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) leads Cox during the last few kilometres.
Julio Perez Cuapio (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished third at 01'05".
The two leaders stay together as they enter the fog.
The final sprint won by Ryan Cox (Barloworld).
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) looked stuffed.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel Cycling Team) finished at 02'11".
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) on the podium.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) says hello to a mate.
Kristian House (Great Britain) still in the KOM jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) in the sprinters' jersey.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) in yellow and loving it.
The jersey winners on the podium.

Stage 9 - February 5: Menara Kuala Lumpur - Putrajaya, 164.8 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Some pre-race entertainment.
Credit Agricole preparing under the KL tower.
Julian Dean (Credit Agricole) gets his ear-piece ready.
Beppu Fumiyuki (Discovery Channel) gets some final touches done to his bike.
The Proton T-Bikes team pose for the camera.
Some of the Aussie connection await the start of stage 9.
Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) has a big ride ahead of him if he is to win the stage and take the race lead from Ryan Cox.
Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
No, it's base jumpers flying off the KL tower.
Not everyone watched the base jumpers, though.
Marlon Perez (Colombia-Selle Italia) did a solo attack over the first KOM.
Marlon Perez (Colombia-Selle Italia) worked hard but it turned out to be in vain.
The two chasers.
There was eventually four in the break as it ascended the third KOM of the day.
The peloton heads upwards and soon enough, catches the break.
The finish was in grand surroundings (hot surroundings, too).
The sprint is on...
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on his way to breaking a record.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) must be getting sick of doing victory salutes.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on the podium.
Kuji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) in the best Asian rider jersey.
Kristian House (Great Britain) in the KOM jersey.
Sprint king Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare).
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) having the last laugh in yellow at the LTdL.
Today's jersey winners.
A young fan takes shelter from the 40c temperature outside.

Stage 10 - February 6: Kuala Lumpur Criterium, 65 km

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Images by Mark Gunter/Cyclingnews.com

Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) heads to the sign-on area.
Tiaan Kannemeyer (Barloworld) did well for his team throughout the race.
Tom Southam (Barloworld) awaits the start of the final stage.
Jose Rujano (Colombia-Selle Italia) will have to remain content with second on GC.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) at the start line.
The jersey winners at the front of the line.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) chats with Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare).
An early break goes.
The peloton in chase.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) in action.
The peloton ride past the Petronas Twin Towers.
Small kid or big picture?
Barloworld led the peloton.
Tiaan Kannemeyer (Barloworld) leads team-mate Ryan Cox.
At the halfway mark, the riders were all together.
Rounding a bend.
The race was in the centre of KL.
The King of Malaysia was there to see the action.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) can hold his head high after winning five stages.
Iran were the most successful Asian team.
Barloworld won the team award.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) plays up to the crowd.
Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone Anchor) was the Thomas Voeckler of the Tour de Langkawi.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) also won the KOM jersey.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) showed some good form this race.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) puts on his yellow jersey.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld), a new champion.
The final jersey winners.
Ryan Cox (Barloworld) among the crowd.
See you later, Freddy.

Images by John Pierce/PhotoSport International

The start line of stage 10.
The peloton with the twin towers in the distance.
The peloton speed through downtown KL.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes out another win.
Graeme Brown (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) wins easily.