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13th Tour de Langkawi - 2.HC

Malaysia, February 7-17, 2008

Photography

Stage 9 - February 17: Kuala Lumpur Criterium, 80.4 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

A young Malaysian performs a local dance on the podium before racing.
José Serpa (Serramenti PVC) from Colombia was a crucial factor in getting his teammate, Ruslan Ivanov, into the Tour lead.
Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC) from Venezuela.
The peloton await the start to the final stage in Kuala Lumpur as the mono-rail goes by in the background.
An early break on the final day of the Tour in Kuala Lumpur.
The Tour leader, Ruslan Ivanov, is followed closely by his Serramenti PVC teammate Danilo Hondo.
The Serramenti PVC train roll through with their Tour leader Ruslan Ivanov in yellow at the back.
The Petronas Towers and mono-rail in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
The Tour leader, Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC), corners the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
The Serramenti PVC train on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Things were hotting up on the final day of racing when a power-box blew up in Kuala Lumpur.
The breakaway riders tried desperately to steal the show on the final day.
Mauro Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) takes out the final stage of the Tour in Kuala Lumpur.
And he kept celebrating all the way down the home straight.
A happy Mauro Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) from Argentina after winning the final stage sprint in Kuala Lumpur.
Serramenti PVC team-manager, Giovanni Savio, looking the part in his suit and ready to celebrate his team's performance on the Tour.
Stage winner Mauro Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) from Argentina on the podium in Kuala Lumpur.
Italian Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) won the King of the Mountains competition of the Tour.
The boys from Seoul Cycling team won the best Asian team of the Tour.
The best team on the GC went to Serramenti PVC .
Japanese rider Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) won the best placed Asian rider on the Tour.
Switzerland's Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) won the Milo Sprint Points competition.
The Tour winner, Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC), looks to the heavens in appreciation of his victory in Malaysia.
The Tour's jersey winners and final stage winner on the podium in Kuala Lumpur.
The podium is full of winners after the final day of the 2008 Tour de Langkawi.
I'm going to get some beers guys, you all want to come back to my room and party?
The 2008 Tour de Langkawi winner, Ruslan Ivanov, of the Serramenti PVC team.
The glamour of the 2008 Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia.
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) from the Maldives rode into the Tour lead on the penultimate stage up Fraser's Hill.
Three heads are better than one: Italian Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) scored his first major victory on the climb up Fraser's Hill on the penultimate stage of the Tour.
Ruslan Ivanov, l, celebrates his Tour victory with his Serramenti PVC mechanic in Kuala Lumpur.
Jobs done: Serramenti PVC team-manager Giovanni Savio, l, congratulates his Tour winner Ruslan Ivanov.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

There are plenty of cyclists here in Malaysia.
The Team Type 1 gentleman paused their pre-race preparations to pose for a quick team photo.
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) looked calm and confident as he waited for the start.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) listens to the officials final instructions as Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) looks on.
The small breakaway gains time on the peloton in the final meters of lap 4.
José Serpa (Serramenti PVC) keeps an eye on the competition up the road as he marshals his team to the front.
The twin towers used to be the tallest structure in the world until Dubia got into the act.
Carlos Jos Ochoa (Serramenti PVC) leads his team as they take up the chase.
Rony Martias (Bouygues Telecom) takes his turn in the wind.
Denis Bertolini (Serramenti PVC) on the front of the chase as they round the final turn.
The peloton enjoys a bit of sunshine in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Carlos Jos Ochoa (Serramenti PVC) powers through a corner in search of the leaders up the road.
An Islamic Azad University puts all engines on full as the pace intensifies.
Assistant Director Marco Bellini (Serramenti PVC) gives Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) a few last minute instructions.
The remains of small breakaway can feel the breathing of the hungry pack behind.
Fuyu Li (Trek- Marco Polo) leads the pack through as they swallow up the remains of the breakaway.
Although Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) animated the race he finished off the podium.
Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) received the perfect lead out and won the bunch sprint.
Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) rolls across the line with the victory.
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) receives a hug from team manager Giovanni Savio after winning the 2008 Le Tour De Langkawi.
The Seoul Cycling Team won the the best Asian team competition.
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) salutes the crowd as he is crowned the winner of the 2008 Le Tour De Langkawi.
Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) wins the final criterium stage of the Le Tour De Langkawi.
Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) wins the King of the Mountains competition.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) is awarded the final points leaders green jersey.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) wins the best Asian rider jersey.
The final podium (l-r) Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR), Aurlien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC), Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare), and Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare).

Stage 8 - February 16: Temerloh - Bukit Fraser, 127.0 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Man my foot is itchy: Yoshiyuki Abe (Skil Shimano) from Japan makes an adjustment to his shoe back in the peloton.
I thought I saw a puddy-cat - I did, I did!
These boots are made for riding… One of these days these boots are gunna ride in the Tour de Langkawi.
Tour leader Mitchell Docker in yellow and with his Drapac Porsche teammates surrounding him back in the peloton.
Fuyu Li (Trek Marco Polo) was maybe wishing he could hop on a motorbike when the peloton began to close the gap.
The peloton approach another Malaysian township and close in on the leading Fuyu Li of Trek Marco Polo.
Ben Brooks (Team Type 1) from Australia cools himself down beneath the hot Malaysian sun on stage eight.
Germany's Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) corners complete with his bandage collection from a crash at the finish of stage seven.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) caught Trek Marco Polo's Fuyu Li and then began his own solo break.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) is a rider who never stops attacking no matter what the race situation.
With the peloton all-together again at the bottom of Fraser Hill, the boys from Ag2R La Mondiale decided to set the pace.
But then Trek Marco Polo's Jai Crawford from Australia attacked and got out to a thirty second lead.
Ag2R La Mondiale and Serramenti PVC riders soon started to lift the tempo when the slopes became steeper.
The race was hotting up on Fraser's Hill near the turn-off to the narrower and steeper section of the climb.
Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) from Italy was the first up the Hors category climb of Fraser's Hill on stage eight.
Rusian Ivanov leads his Serramenti PVC teammate Jose Serpa over the line and rides himself into the Tour lead.
Stef Clement (Bouygues Telecom) leads Letua Cycling's Susanto Tonton over the line for 10th and 11th placing respectively.
Riders grimace as they corner onto the finish-line atop Fraser's Hill in Bukit Fraser.
The Tour leader, Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche), grimaces as he finishes stage eight in 19th place, one minute and twenty seconds behind the leader and relinquishes the yellow jersey.
Waylon Woolcock leads his South African National Team teammate Ian McCleod over the line for 20th and 21st places respectively.
(L-R): Yoshiyuki Abe (Skil Shimano), David Garcia (Karpin Galicia) and Bernard Sulzberger (Letua Cycling Team) corner onto the finish-line in Bukit Fraser.
SouthAustralia.com/AIS teammates (L-R): Wes Sulzberger, William Ford, Johnnie Walker and Zakari Dempster ride into the finish of the penultimate stage of the Tour.
Credit Agricole teammates (R-L): Sebastien Hinault, Nicolas Roche and Jeremy Hunt finish off the Hors category climb up Fraser's Hill.
Stage winner Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) isn't noted as a pure climber in Europe but rode strongly to grab the prize on stage eight.
Japan's Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) rode himself back into the blue jersey of the best placed Asian rider on the Tour in stage eight.
Italian Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) jumped into the red jersey and will win the King of the Mountains competition of the Tour.
Switzerland's Auriel Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) has the green jersey of the Milo Sprints Points competition sown up with a 23 point lead heading into the final stage criterium in Kuala Lumpur.
Maldavian Rusian Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) will take a 29 second lead into the final stage in Kuala Lumpur.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) crosses the line solo atop Fraser's Hill.
Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) celebrates his win on the top step of the podium.
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) happily takes over the yellow jersey.
The podium at day's end (left to right) Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC), Savini Filippo (CSF Group Navigare), and Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR).
The scene at the start of stage 8
The Milo booth was quite popular with the local kids
The yellow jersey, worn by Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) speaks with the local media prior to the start
The Drapac Porsche team as they prepare to defend the yellow jersey on the queen stage of Le Tour De Langkawi
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) poses for a photo with a young fan
José Serpa (Serramenti PVC) tells a few stories about his teammate before the start
One of the most attractive soigneurs in the business.... From New Zealand's National Team
The locals performed native dances prior to the start of each stage.
This young fan looks on as we all awaited the arrival of the race leaders
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) leads teammate José Serpa (Serramenti PVC) across the line
Jeremy Yates (New Zealand National Team) finishes strong to earn sixth place on the day
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) rode an incredible race and improved his GC placing to top ten
The pain of the long climb was evident on Shinichi Fukashima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) face as he crossed the line
Moises Aldape (Team Type 1) crosses the line after a hard effort within 2 minutes of the leaders
Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) hoists his trophy high after a hard fought victory
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) waits on the edge of the podium to receive his green points leader jersey
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) receives a handshake and a new yellow race leaders jersey
Shinichi Fukashima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) in the blue leading Asian rider's jersey
Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) also picks up the red king of the mountains for his effort today
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) in the green points leaders jersey once again
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) listens intently to a journalist's question at the post race press conference
Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) celebrates his yellow jersey with team manager Giovanni Savio (right) and his assistant
An intense Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare)... He was definitely king of the mountain today!
A jubilant Ruslan Ivanov (Serramenti PVC) enjoys his moment in yellow on the podium

Stage 7 - February 15: Kuala Rompin - Kuantan, 126.6 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

The peloton pass through a Milo intermediate sprint point on the 126.60 kilometre stage seven from Kuala Rompin to Kuantan.
Wes Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) speeds along the roads of Malaysia on stage seven.
Well allright, I guess another one won't hurt: Gu Hyeon Kim (Seoul Cycling) takes bidons on-board for teammates in the peloton.
Hey! I want that bidon: A Malaysian National Team support staff member helps Mohd Faris Abd Razak with supplies.
In Malaysia, baik (pronounced bike) means good: The 2008 Tour de Langkawi is all baik!
Nikolay Trusov (Tinkoff Credit Systems) from Russia powers into a head-wind on stage seven of the Tour.
Benjamin King (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) from Australia was a silver medallist in the Australian Under 23 Time-Trial Championship in Victoria recently.
Jean-Marc Marino (Credit Agricole) is just 13 seconds down on the Tour lead and was attempting to sneak clear late on stage seven.
The charge is on as riders sprint to the line for second place in Pekan at the third and final Milo intermediate sprint of the day.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) relenquished his Tour lead on stage seven when Drapac Porsche's Mitchell Docker claimed time bonuses in two sprints.
Blaise Sonnery (Ag2R La Mondiale) from France is currently 94th overall some 23 minutes behind the new Tour leader, Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) of Australia.
Australian Zakari Dempster (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) is a danger to the Tour lead in 12th place, 14 seconds behind, and wasn't allowed to sneak away from the peloton in the closing kilometres.
The attacking Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) tries to steal the show again on stage seven putting a small time-gap into the peloton in the final twenty-five kilometres.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom)(left) had surrendered the yellow jersey on stage seven to Drapac Porsche's Mitchell Docker whose teammates were never far away closing in to the finish.
Thirsty work for the South Africans: Waylon Woolcock (left) and teammate Ian McCleod of the South African National Team take a drink before the run into the finish.
Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) leans into Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems)...
...leaving Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) with nowhere to go but down...
...as Loddo fell to the ground as well...
...but Richeze managed to stay upright...
...Loddo and Hondo landed in difficult positions, but are both okay...
...as other riders dive to miss the fallen riders...
...Hondo's glasses fly as Richeze backs off...
...letting Alexandre Usov (AG2r - La Mondiale) take the victory.
Chaos on the finish-line in Kuantan after a nasty fall brought the peloton almost to a complete halt at the conclusion to stage seven.
Germany's Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) came down in a nasty crash just metres before the finish-line in Kuantan bringing another stage victory to a sudden end.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) from Germany laments what could have been another stage victory to him on the 2008 Tour de Langkawi.
A Serramenti PVC teammate cools down Danilo Hondo after he kissed the bitumen in Kuantan.
An un-impressed Serramenti PVC team-manager, Giovanni Savio (right), chats with his star sprinter Danilo Hondo after he crashed metres from the finish-line in Kuantan.
Italian sprinting ace, Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems), had many emotions going through him after he came down in a nasty pile-up at the finish to stage seven in Kuantan.
Ouch! Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) took some bark off where it hurts after colliding with CSF Group-Navigare's Mauro Abel Richeze close to the finish-line in Kuantan.
There was nowhere to go: Danilo Hondo (left) speaks with his Serramenti PVC team-manager Giovanni Savio about the crash near the finish-line in Kuantan.
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) is interviewed after the finish to stage seven: Docker is the new leader in yellow of the 2008 Tour de Langkawi.
After all the chaos there was a winner: Stage seven winner of the Tour de Langkawi, Alexandre Usov of the Ag2R La Mondiale team.
And a new Tour leader: Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) from Australia will take a two second lead into the penultimate stage of the Tour.
The stage seven podium (L-R): Auriel Clerc (Sprints), Alexandre Usov (Stage winner), Mitchell Docker (Tour leader), Sung Baek Park (best Asian rider), and Chris Meschenmoser (King of the Mountains leader).
Alexandre Usov (Ag2R La Mondiale) from Belarus answers questions about his stage win at the post-stage press conference.
It's been a big few weeks for Drapac Porsche of late on the racing scene and it just got bigger with Mitchell Docker from Victoria in Australia taking over the yellow jersey as the Tour leader in Malaysia.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Alexandre Usov (AG2R La Mondiale) survives the crash-riddled sprint to take the stage victory.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) goes down first with Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) not far behind.
The scene at the finish was ugly!!.
The carnage continues in the last 25 meters.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) walks to the medical tent holding his shoulder.
Alexandre Usov (AG2R La Mondiale) enjoys his stage win on the podium.
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) captures the yellow jersey.
The Podium (l to r) Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), Alexandre Usov (AG2R La Mondiale), Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche), Sung Baek Park (Seoul Cycling) and Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista)
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) was in good spirits prior to the start.
Ok, everyone.... Check your computer sensors.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) holds the yellow jersey by one second going into today's stage.
With the race leader leading the way the peloton heads out to start stage 7.
Some of Malaysia's newest cycling fans lined the route.
Tonton Susanto (Letua Cycling Team) wonders what the stage will bring as he finds his rhythm.
There was plenty of colorful scenery to enjoy along today's stage.
The pace was high as the race headed out on the open road.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) edges Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) for an intermediate sprint victory.
Today's route followed the coastline for most of the morning.
Stef Clement (Bouygues Telecom) keeps the pace high as the peloton hits a headwind.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) enjoys his sixth day wearing the yellow jersey.
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) continues his assault on the G.C. He's a mere eight seconds behind.
The peloton was passed by an ambulance on course today, luckily it didn't contain any riders.
The peloton stayed together a majority of the day and kept the pace high.
The wind kept all 136 riders together as the cruised through the Malaysian countryside.
Gu Hyeon Kim (Seoul Cycling) takes a flyer off the front solo.
Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche) with his team-mate in tow, head toward an intermediate sprint.
Not happy with the pace this Seoul Cycling rider went up the road by himself.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) made a huge solo effort with 15K to go.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) attempts to cool off during his attack.
Alexandre Usov (AG2R La Mondiale) explains how he survived the sprint mayhem to win the stage.
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) happy to finally be in yellow

Stage 6 - February 14: Bandar Penawar - Kuala Rompin, 182.8 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Johnnie Walker (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) from Australia couldn't wait to get into his feed-bag and he was going to need it as he found himself in the winning break of sixteen riders
The lead group make their way towards Kuala Rompin on a 182.20 kilometre journey from Bandar Penawar on stage six
The lead group with a lead of over eight minutes at around the 120 kilometre mark
The leading group of sixteen riders contained no-one who was an immediate danger to the yellow jersey of Bouygues Telecom's Matthieu Sprick
Tour Technical Director Alan Rushton shows Japanese cycling photographer, Hitoshi Omae, where the finish-line is in Kuala Rompin
The charge is on for the finish to stage six and Serramenti PVC's Jose Serpa is leading the way
He has a kick as well as being able to climb: Colombian Jose Serpa (Serramenti PVC) takes out stage six in Kuala Rompin
South African Nolan Hoffman (South Africa National Team) brings home the peloton some four minutes and 28 seconds behind the winner, Jose Serpa
Justin Kerr (224) of the New Zealand National Team found a Malaysian flag to carry on stage six
Jose Serpa (Serramenti PVC), the stage six winner of the Tour and at home on the flat as much as he is in the mountains
This way to the podium please: Sung Baek Park (Seoul Cycling) is the new wearer of the blue jersey as the best placed Asian rider on the Tour
Oooh, it's a tight fit: Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista) from Germany is the leader of the King of the Mountains competition which began on stage six
Germany's Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista) took the red jersey after being the first up the category four climb at Jemaluang
Switzwerland's Auriel Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) is all smiles and currently leads the Milo Sprint Points competition by ten points from Letua Cycling's Anuar Manan
Sprinting's not a difficult as this: Swiss sprinter and green jersey leader, Auriel Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) squeezes into his Milo Sprints jersey
Tour leader Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) gets a hand with the yellow jersey from a Malaysian astronaut in Kuala Rompin
The Tour jersey leaders on the podium (L-R): Meschenmoser, Serpa (stage winner), Sprick, Clerc and Park
Question time: The post stage press conference gets under-way in Kuala Rompin with the Tour leader in yellow, Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) holding onto a one second lead with three stages remaining

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

José Serpa (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) outsprints his breakaway group of sixteen riders for the victory.
An elated José Serpa (Serramenti-PVC) celebrates his victory.
José Serpa (Serramenti-PVC) waves to his fans as he receives his award.
José Serpa (Serramenti-PVC) wins stage 6 with a vicious kick in the final few metres.
Sung Baek Park (Seoul Cycling) wins the best Asian rider blue jersey.
Today's stage had a King of the Mountain competition which was won by Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista).
Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista) celebrates his KOM win on the podium.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) remains in the green jersey on stage 6.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) remains in the yellow jersey by 1 second.
The stage 6 podium , l-r, Chris Meschenmoser (Team Ista), José Perez Serpa (Serramenti-PVC), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), and Sung Baek Park (Seoul Cycling)
A group of cycleball athletes preformed for the crowd at the starting line
The Cavalcade made its way out of town an hour before the start
Nicolas Roche (Crédit Agricole), the son of the famous Stephan Roche says a few words to the media prior to stage 6
The peloton didn't seem interested in moving too fast this morning as they lazily made their way out on the roadway at the beginning of stage 6
A member of the Malaysian National Team leads Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) across to the early break
The pack enjoys the beautiful Malaysian countryside
Stuart Shaw (Drapac Porsche) recovering from a crash in an earlier stage, rode aggressively in the early action
Tinkoff Credit Systems sent a few riders to the front early
Mehdi Sohrabi (Islamic Azad Univercity Cycling Team) powers the first substantial break of 17 riders
Koji Fuchushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) radios back to his Director Sportif as things exploded on the road
A birds eye view of the first sprint of the day.... Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) takes it
Pavel Brutt (Tinkoff Credit Systems) displays some horsepower in the break
The group of 16 riders had a little trouble getting organized
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) watches as a small group goes up the road
Stuart Shaw (Drapac Porsche) brings a load of water bottles up to his teammates
Sea Loh Keong (Trek - Marco Polo Cycling Team) heads up to the break

Stage 5 - February 13: Johor Bahru - Bandar Penawar, 139.9 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) wins the Stage 5 bunch sprint.
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) celebrates his Stage 5 victory.
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) receives a congratulatory hug from one of his support staff.
Podium (L-R): Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), and Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo - GDR).
The Trek Marco Polo team discusses strategy prior to the start of stage five.
The Team Type 1 guys were serious about their hydration.
Once again, the pre-race entertainment did not disappoint.
The riders prepare for the start of stage 5 along the ocean.
Ben Brooks (Team Type 1) starts things early and jumps into the first break of the day.
Today's stage took the riders out into some of the palm tree farms.
A Crédit Agricole rider leads the green jersey ( Anuar Manan- Letua Cycling Team ) through a small town at the midpoint of today's stage.
Yip Wang Tang (Hong Hong National Cycling Team) cruises through town.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) was active in many of the breaks again today.
The peloton enjoys the lush greenery of Malaysia.
There were constant attacks on today's short stage that meandered through rural malaysia.
The race leader, Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) kept a watchful eye on the group as his lead was only one second going into today's stage.
Race leader Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) showed the strength
Diego Nosotti (NGC Medical) bridged up to the break with a small group.
A small break launched itself from the disorganized larger bunch not wanting to slow their pace.
Stuart Shaw (Drapac Porsche) rode an outstanding race today aggressively getting in nearly every move.
The riders were a bit too busy to notice all the lush greenery surrounding the course.
Today's short stage produced a very active race with many attacks; these six riders have a go with 20K to go.
The pace was high, stringing the 143-rider peloton out along the palm tree lined roads.
With ten kilometres to go it looked like these six riders would decide the race, but it all came back together in the last few kilometers.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) remained in the blue jersey after today's stage.
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) celebrates his victory on the top step of the podium.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) picks up the green jersey for his sprinting prowess.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) hangs on to the yellow jersey by the narrowest of margins... One second separates him from Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche).
Bouygues Telecom team-mates Aurélien Clerc and Matthieu Sprick pay the bills, putting their sponsor on the podium twice.
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) answers questions from the press at the conclusion of stage 5

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Meals on wheels: Rider's feed-bags hang off their bikes in Johor Bahru prior to the start of stage five
Riders shelter from the heat in Johor Bahru before the start of stage five
Commissaire Martin Bruin (left) and Race Director Michael Robb relax before the start to stage five in Johor Bahru
The Drapac Porsche team discuss tactis heading into the fifth stage
Fabio Calabria (Team Type 1) from Australia will be working hard for his teammates Glen Chadwick and Matt Wilson who are currently both in top twenty on GC
Team Type 1 manager Ed Beamon can be well pleased with his charges so far on the Tour
Taking pride in your work: Tour leader Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) shines his shoes in readiness for another day in the saddle
Tour jersey leaders (L-R): Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) the Tour leader, Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) Sprint points leader, and Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) best placed Asian rider
The Tour departs Johor Bahru bound for Bandar Penwar some 139 kilometres away
Stop work meeting: Locals take a break from the job as the Tour goes by
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) takes the first of three all important intermediate sprints on stage five
The peloton roll by excited local Malaysian school-children on their way to Bandar Penawar
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) takes the second intermediate sprint on stage five
Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche) goes on the attack on undulating roads during stage five
Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) from Italy in action during stage five
Zak Dempster (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) leads the peloton towards the next intermediate sprint points section
The yellow jersey safely tucked away in the peloton - or is he?
Tour leader Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) gets assistance from a teammate after puncturing on stage five
A helping hand: Mathieu Claude (Bouygues Telecom) pushes his teammate and Tour leader, Matthieu Sprick, back into action after the later punctured
The Tour heads up a small rise on the undulating roads of stage five
Diego Nosotti (right) of the NGC Medical-OTC takes out the third and final intermediate sprint ahead of Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom)
The Tour gets plenty of support from cheering fans along the race route of the Tour de Langkawi
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR), currently the best placed Asian rider on the Tour, on the drop-bars and looking to attack
The lead group hit the fifty kilometre to go sign around a minute ahead of the peloton
The peloton in search of a leading group of riders approaching fifty kilometres to go
Yoshimasa Hirose (53) and Skil Shimano teammate Yusuke Hatanaka back in the chasing peloton
A leading group of riders tried to steal the stage from the chasing peloton
The peloton close in on the lead group in the final 25 kilometres
Alberto Loddo (far left) of Tinkoff Credit Systems takes out stage five in Bandar Penawar
Alberto Loddo (left) of Tinkoff Credit Systems wins his first stage of 2008 but he is certainly used to winning in Malaysia
Tinkoff Credit Systems Alberto Loddo, winner of stage five with an average of 44.86 kph
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) squeezes into his blue Proton jersey for the best placed Asian rider overall
Hey Matthieu, do you reckon we can win both the Tour and the green jersey?
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) is happy to be in the green jersey and may well be on the podium as a stage winner before the Tour ends
Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) from Switzerland in his Milo Sprint Points leader's green jersey
Frenchman Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) remains in a one second lead over Australian Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) after five stage
Boys will be boys: The Tour leader Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) is raised to the crowd at the finish in Bandar Penawar

Stage 4 - February 12: Port Dickson - Batu Pahat, 169.0 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) takes the sprint victory in style.
A quick wave to the fans as Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) celebrates his win.
The stage 4 podium (left to right) Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR), Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), and Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC).
The leading Asian rider Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) gives the crowd the “thumbs up” as he poses with the podium girls.
The Malaysian fans have been incredible in every city thus far, very enthusiastic and animated.
The beautiful culture of Malaysia has been proudly displayed by the native dancers at the starting line each day.
The yellow jersey worn by Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) shakes hands with Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) prior to the start.
Things started early as the race saw numerous attacks early in the stage.
The peloton spreads out as they cruise through a small town in the early going.
Robert Williams (Drapac Porsche) picks up a few bottles from his team car.
A Skil/Shimano rider and a Malaysian National Team member work their way through the team cars after a mishap.
Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) leads a group of 30 riders that escaped in the early portion of the race.
All the top teams were well represented in the early split, but would it stick?!?!.
Two of the most notable European teams do some advertising.
When the break slowed a bit Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) made a strong solo attack.
With the Letua Cycling Team at the front chasing the peloton rolls on in search of the riders up the road.
The break splinters and four riders have a go.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo- GDR) leads an all Asian contigent at the front of the main pack.
No time for lunch.... The riders hustled through the feed zone.
Takashi Miyatake (Meitan Hompo- GDR) leads Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil/Shimano) through a turn.
Koji Fukashima (Meitan Hompo- GDR) powers through a corner as he attempts to bridge up to the break.
Simone Clarke (South Australia Cycling) leads a break of four inside the 20K banner.
The peloton gets serious about the chase as Tinkoff Credit Systems goes to the front to shoulder the effort.
The yellow jersey suffers a puncture with less than 10 kilometres left to the finish, but quick service by his team-mate and mechanic has him back underway quickly.
Steph Clement (Bouygues Telecom) does his job in grand fashion and is pulling the yellow jersey back to the bunch.
The four escapees continued to work together into the final kilometers.
This MNCF rider was a victim of a crash in the final sprint but walks his bike over the line to finish .
Giovanni Savio gives the thumbs up as he congratulates his rider on a spectacular performance.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) in the blue jersey (best Asian rider) once again.
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) in the points leader jersey at the conclusion of stage 4.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) waves to the crowd as he wears yellow again.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) answers questions from the press after a brilliant sprint finish to stage 4.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) takes out stage four of the Tour into Batu Pahat
The Tour begins it's 169 kilometre fourth stage to the approval of cheering school kids
The peloton descend down a bridge just after the start in Port Dickson
Jose Perez Serpa (Serramenti PVC) leads the peloton over a rise early into stage four
Riders head over a rise during stage four which featured many attacks
Hua Kuan Lai (Giant Asia Racing Team) has heaps of support at his side on stage four
Malaysian children going ballistic…Paul Sherwen where are you?
I think it's this way?
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) goes on the attack during stage four from Port Dickson to Batu Pahat
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) from Germany was looking for his first stage win of his comeback to the sport
And there was a few of them!
Gene Bates and Robbie Williams come to the aid of Mitchell Docker their Drapac Porsche teammate after he crashed on stage four
Budi Santoso (Polygon Sweet Nice) corners in-front of some patient locals on stage four
The peloton string out on the road to Batu Pahat with two groups up the road
New Zealand rider Paul Odlin makes his way out of there after crashing in the charge to the finish-line in Batu Pahat
You've got to hand it to the locals here in Malaysia, they love their Tour de Langkawi
The yellow jersey of the Tour leader, Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) safely tucked away back in the peloton
Stage two winner Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) drives a group forward on stage four
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) was eager to het himself a stage win and forced the pace on several occassions
Riders giving their all in the chase to bring back attacks on stage four
Walter Pedraza (Tinkoff Credit Systems) powers another attack on stage four
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) from Australia is currently well placed inside the top ten
The peloton descend a bridge in search of four leading riders
And it's Sunada! Yuzura Sunada, Japanese cycling photographer takes out stage four, with the help of his moto-pilot
Patient locals
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche), second overall, fell on stage four but continued on to finish without losing any time
Assistance for Mitchell Docker after he tumbled during stage four; Docker is currently second overall on the GC
Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) leads David George (South Africa), Diego Nosotti (NGC Medical -OTC) and Francesco Tomei (CSF Group-Navigare) in the break that slipped the peloton within the final thirty kilometres
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) from Germany on the podium after claiming stage four of the Tour
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) steps up to the podium to collect his Best Placed Asian rider's jersey
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) remains in the Milo Sprint Points leader's jersey
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) from France holds onto the barest of margins now - just one second!
The post stage press conference featuring (bottom-top): Anuar Manan (Sprint Point leader), Danilo Hondo (stage winner), Matthieu Sprick (Tour leader), and Shinichi Fukushima (Best placed Asian rider), French journalist Jeff Quenet looks on

Images by Hitoshi Omae

I got off the motor-bike and attracted all of these locals - We were all going berserk for the Tour de Langkawi!

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

Danilo Hondo crosses the line in first with arms raised and showing that his two years out of the peloton didn't mean two years off the bike.
Hondo with coach Savio on the left and Marco on the right.
The peloton on an incline and the single file indicating the pace of the race.
Sprick out of the saddle but fully in control of the race.
Race leader Matthieu Sprick is getting last minute measurements done before the stage.
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) is back on the podium, a place he really likes to be.
Commissaire Martin Bruin brings home the bike with not all parts attached anymore.
Bouygues Telecom is busy defending the yellow jersey.
The full podium of stage 4.

Stage 3 - February 11: Sitiawan - Banting, 209.4 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Mohd Rauf Misbah (Malaysian National Team) sure is going in the Tour so far. He lies 21st overall on the GC and is the leading rider on his team.
The Tour leader, Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), takes a look at a Hindu Temple on the startline in Sitiawan before stage three
Stage two winner, Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole), leaves a photographic studio in Sitiawan after placing an order to have his finish shot from the day before developed?
The lead group of five riders close in on the finish to stage three to Banting
Jae Won Lee (Seoul Cycling Team) takes out the 209.4 kilometre third stage from Sitiawan to Banting
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) holds onto second place ahead of Yan Dong Xing (Trek Marco Polo) who is looking to the heavens for help
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) brings home the peloton one minute and nine seconds behind the breakaway five
'Police to Tour Director...Stage three of the Tour is now complete'
You've got to have SEOUL: Jae Won Lee (Seoul Cycling Team) on the podium after his stage three win at an average speed of 44.54 kilometres
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo GDR) remains the leading Asian rider on the Tour after the third stage
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) is the new leader of the Milo Sprint points competition on the Tour
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) from France holds onto a three second lead heading into the fourth stage
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) has a race time of 12 hours 24 minutes and 19 seconds after three stages

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

The Malaysian National Team mechanic does his final preparations before the start of stage 3 .
An Hindu temple just behind the starting line.
Stage 3 started amidst many ornate cultural structures.
The Malaysian National Team's Colnagos lined up and ready to go.
The South African National Team is riding carbon Raleigh's this season.
The Serramenti PVC squad poses for a picture at the start.
These Indian performers danced on a bed of nails while balancing things on their heads... and we think cycling is difficult?!?.
Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) waits patiently in the riders area prior to the start.
The view from above as the riders begin stage 3.
Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling) enjoys his music as he warms up.
Dancers preformed a traditional Malaysian dance for the crowd at the start.
The detailed traditional costumes were amazing.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) played his harmonica at rider sign in.
Fabio Calabria (Team Type 1) checks his blood sugar levels prior to the start. He is one of four riders on the team that has type 1 diabetes.
Attacks were numerous near the close of the race.
Abbass Tanha Saeidi (Islamic Azad University) enjoys his ride on today, the longest stage of the Tour.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) rode hard in the peloton carrying the responsibility of the yellow jersey .
After a hard day powering the break it was Jae Won Lee (Seoul Cycling) winning the day.
Jae Won Lee (Seoul Cycling) waves to the crowd from the awards stage.
Anuar Manan (Letua Cycling Team) dons the Milo sprint leaders jersey.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

The breakaway racing in the heat of Malaysia.
The podium is dominated by Asian riders.
Jae Won Lee cools off during the race.
Or maybe he just got rid of extra weight so he could sneak off the front of the break and win the race?
Sprick was well protected by his Bouygues Telecom team.
Another big win for Asia as Jae Won Lee takes the top spot.

Stage 2 - February 10: Butterworth - Sitiawan, 159.7 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Sergey Kudentsov (Trek Marco Polo) from Russia relaxes before the start to stage two in Butterworth
Bernard Sulzberger (Letua Cycling Team) from Australia is all smiles after his effort to get in the break on stage one
Hidenori Nodera (Skil Shimano) from Japan sets a trend with bandanas in Malaysia
Mark O'Brien (Drapac Porsche) from Australia is one cool cat at the Tour de Langkawi
French cycling photographer, Bruno Bade, snaps Tour leader and fellow Frenchman Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) signing on for stage two
Johnnie Walker (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) from Australia signs on in Butterworth complete with his gold racing Rolex watch
Riders from the New Zealand National Team put pen to paper at the sign-on in Butterworth
Look! The 2008 Tour de Langkawi is flashing past
I had complete confidence in my moto-pilot when I noticed this on the back of his helmet
Riders speed past some old Malaysian township architecture during the 159.7 kilometre stage two
Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) from Australia zips up his jersey back in the peloton chasing a lead pair around two minutes up the road
The Tour convoy head towards a feeding-station near the half-way mark of the stage
Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) from Germany drops back to his team-car for supplies
Coke adds life to the Tour: Ramon Troncoso (Karpin Galicia) from Spain goes for some coca-cola on day two
Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) from Japan and Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil Shimano) also from Japan during their breakaway attempt on stage two
Hirose Yoshimasa (Skil Shimano) leads Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) into the final twenty kilometres of the stage
Riders from the Tinkoff Credit Systems outfit were on the front driving the peloton in the hope of perhaps an Alberto Loddo stage victory
Bouygues Telecom were looking after their Tour leader in yellow, Matthieu Sprick, back in the peloton
The peloton were closing in on the two leaders approaching the final fifteen kilometres
Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) from Great Britain takes out stage two much to the delight of a teammate behind
And that team-mate was Sebastien Hinault who gives the best tenth placed salute ever
A pair of Tour podium girls pose for the camera in Sitiawan
Everyone's a photographer... well all except one anyway
Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) from Great Britain salutes the crowd on the podium after claiming the stage into Sitiawan
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) from Japan is still the best placed Asian rider of the Tour
Cool customer: Great Britain's Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) reflects on his stage victory in Malaysia
Hail Cesar: Gustavo Cesar (Karpin Galicia) from Spain is the new Milo Sprint points leader after the second stage
Frenchman Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) is still the Tour leader by three seconds after two stages
The Tour descends a bridge just after the start to stage two in Butterworth
Chaos approaching an intermediate sprint section as Stuart Shaw (left) of the Drapac Porsche team and Julio Cuapio Perez (CSF Group Navigare) come to grief

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) sprints home for the win.
The peloton cruises through the lush Malaysian landscape
Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole) stands atop the highest step of the podium as today’s stage winner.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) remains in yellow after today's stage.
The podium (left to right) with Cesar Gustavo (Karpin Galicia) , Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) and Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR)
There were plenty of Malaysian police mounted on motorcycles protecting the Tour.
Ian MacGregor and team-mate Glenn Chadwick (Team Type 1) rest in the shade prior to the start.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo – GDR) was all smiles in his Blue, best Asian rider jersey.
There were some wonderful Indian dancers at the starting line.
The crowd was out in force and very enthusiastic at the start.
The Seoul Cycling Team prepares for the start.
The Peloton descends a small overpass just after the start.
A sea of riders enjoying the Malaysian sunshine.
Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) puts in a good effort at the front.
The peloton picks up the pace
Stage winner Jeremy Hunt (Crédit Agricole) was active in the chase to bring back the two breakaway riders.
The riders seemed to have something to prove today as they finished in record time.
Stuart Shaw (Drapac Porsche) takes his turn at the front.
Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil Shimano) attacks
Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) and Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil Shimano) escaped together to put a few minutes on the field.
The Bouygues Telecom team, including the yellow jersey (Matthieu Sprick) take up the chase.
The racers enter the feed zone at the midpoint of the race.
The peloton enjoyed great roads
Team Tinkoff Credit Systems joined in the chase.
Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil Shimano) was definitely powered by his coca-cola this afternoon.
Spectators lined much of the route and they did so even in the smaller towns.
The 148 rider peloton cruises through yet another small town enroute to Sitiawan.
Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) and Yoshimasa Hirose (Skil Shimano) still had over two minutes at the 15K banner.
Jeremy Hunt (Crédit Agricole) sprints home for the victory.
The look on Jeremy Hunt's (Crédit Agricole) face says it all!!.
We never get tired of the beautiful podium girls.
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) celebrates on the podium.
Gustavo Cesar (Karpin Galicia) in his new sprint leaders jersey.
Jeremy Hunt (Crédit Agricole) explains how he won the day.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) remains in the yellow jersey after stage two.

Images by Greg Chang / PhotoSport International

Stage 1 - February 9: Alor Setar - Kepala Batas, 182.6 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telekom) storms to the victory three seconds ahead of the 18 man break that put over 20 minutes into the field.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telekom) accepts his awards for the stage win.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telekom) all smiles as he dons the yellow race leaders jersey.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telekom) waves to the crowd from the top step of the podium.
The podium (L-R): Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telekom), and Diego Nosotti (NGC Medical - OTC).
Stage one started in front of the Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar.
The bike of Robert Williams (Drapac Porsche) - a Dura-Ace equipped Giant
The Bouygues Telecom Team at the start in Alor Setar.
The Cavalcade preceding the race rolls out in style.
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo / GDR) signs in prior to the start.
Giovanni Savio (Serramenti PVC) talks with one of his former riders, Walter Pedrazaz (Tinkoff).
Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo / GDR) signs an autograph for an eager fan.
Dato Sri Azalina Dato Othman Said, the Minister of Youth and Sports waves a flag at the start.
The peloton didn't seem to be worried about the break as they kept a moderate pace in the early going.
Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche) attempts to keep cool in the hot Malaysian sun.
An Islamic Azad University rider heads down the expressway off ramp in the early part of the race.
Enthusiastic fans lined the route waving flags and cheering for the riders
A look from the caravan as the team vehicles make their way to the finish.
The racers were met by a large cheering crowd lining the barricades at the finish.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) celebrates his victory as he rolls across the line.
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) walks with an official towards the podium presentation.
Mohd Rauf, Nur Misbah (Malaysian National Team) finishes alone between the breakaway and the field.
The bunch sprint was not without incident.... Here three riders hit the deck in the final meters.
Yukiya Arashiro (Metan Hompo / GDR) is looked after by the medical staff after a crash in the final meters.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) enjoys the spoils of his victory.
Diego Nosotti (NGC Medical / OTC) receives his awards and gets a handshake on the podium.
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) sports his new green jersey and answers questions from the media.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo - GDR) plays his harmonica for a local at the start to stage one in Alor Setar
Tinkoff Credit Systems sprint ace, Alberto Loddo, retreats to a relaxing place before stage one of the Tour
The New Zealand National team pose for a photo in Alor Setar before the opening stage
Diego Nosotti (NGC Medical OTC) leaves the podium after signing on for the opening stage of the Tour
The Malaysian police have everything under control during the Tour de Langkawi
The peloton roll through a Malaysian township some eight minutes behind a lead group of nineteen riders
The leading group of nineteen riders opened up a gap of around four and a half minutes after 35 kilometres of the 182.6 kilometre stage
Australian Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) takes a drink in the searing heat whilst in the lead group
Frenchman Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) was in the lead group and looking comfortable
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo - GDR) cools himself down beneath the hot Malaysian sun in the lead group
The leaders had increased the time-gap to over 15 minutes in the final half of the stage
Time for something to eat: Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) digs into his musette at the feed-station
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) struggles with his musette at a feed-station near the half-way mark of the stage
Now what sort of goodies have I got in here?: Ian McLeod (South African National Team) looks for something to eat in his musette whilst in the lead group
Japanese cycling photographer, Yuzura Sunada, cruises over a bridge with his media five moto-pilot at the helm
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) offers Sung Baek Park (Seoul Cycling) something to eat in the lead group
Alex Coutts (Giant Asia Racing Team) from Great Britian found himself in the leading group of nineteen riders
Australian Bernard Sulzberger (Letua Cycling Team) was glad his late arrival onto the Tour was worth the effort with a spot in the top ten after the first stage
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) zips up and gets ready for an assault on the stage victory
Riders charge towards the final intermediate sprint point before speeding into the finish in Kepala Batas
Locals grabbed every vantage point possible to watch the Tour speed by during the opening stage
New Zealander Jeremy Yates (New Zealand National Team) out of the saddle and heading towards fourth place on the stage
Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC) was keeping a close watch on any attacks from behind in the lead group
Zakkari Dempster (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) from Australia riding towards eighth place overall on the Tour after day one
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) from Australia was showing his Herald Sun Tour victory in Australia late last year was no fluke with third place overall after the opening stage
You little beauty: Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) was wrapped to sneak away in the final three kilometres and take stage one of the Tour for France
Take that: Tanel Kangert (Ag2R La Mondiale) from Estonia cops a shower from the local fire brigade to cool down after the stage
Stop, no more please: Filippo Savini (CSF Group-Navigare) from Italy is wet enough after being showered and cooled down after stage one beneath the Malaysian sun
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), winner of the opening stage of the 2008 Tour de Langkawi
Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo -GDR) is the leading Asian rider on the Tour after the opening stage
Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) is the Milo Sprint points leader after the opening stage
A happy Mitchell Docker (Drapac Porsche) from the state of Victoria in Australia on the podium as the Milo Sprint points leader and second overall on the GC
Frenchman Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) is the Tour leader after the 182.60 kilometre opening stage from Alor Setar to Kepala Batas
The peloton corner of the highway around a minute down on the leading group at the twenty-five kilometre mark
The peloton cross a bridge with the Alor Setar Tower in the background
The leading group were going further towards the finish at Kepala Batas with around twenty kilometres remaining
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) brought his own rainbow with him from Australia to go with his cold shower at the finish in Kepala Batas
Yukiya Arashiro (141) of the Meitan Hompo-GDR team crashed in the home straight and was forced to retire from the race after day one
Random anti-doping test for Skill Shimano's Yusuke Hatanaka from Japan at the finish in Kepala Batas

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

Azalina Othman was in attendance as well.
Alberto Loddo won too many stages as to go unnoticed this year.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) pickd up the first win of the season.
The podium of stage one with the proud winner Sprick in the middle.
The field leaves for the first stage.
Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) takes the first stage.
Matt Wilson (Team Type one) cools off.
Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) celebrates the win.
Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) in the break.
Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) takes the first yellow of the tour.
Wilson takes the first sprint along the road.
A local cyclist watches as the buch whizzes past.
A crash marred the finish of stage one.
Credite Agricole rider receives his feed for the day.

Pre-race - February 8

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Simon Gerrans (Credit Agricole) from Australia is one of the fancies to take out overall honours on the Tour
Credit Agricole at the team's presentations in Alor Star
Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli is looking for another strong Langkawi.
The boys from South Africa at the presentations
Giant Asia Racing Team show off their new uniform.
Will Tinkoff's Alberto Loddo be putting his hand up for more stage victories and a possible Tour win?
Skill Shimano on the podium in Alor Star
Bouygues Telecom are one of three Pro-Tour teams in this year's race
Ag2R-Mondiale at the team's presentations
The CSF Group-Navigare team are always one to watch in Malaysia
Karpin Galicia will take on the big teams in Malaysia.
Team Type 1 lines up for its first race in Oceania.
NGC Medical - OTC Industria Porte was missing a few riders at the presentation.
The all German line up from Team ISTA.
SouthAustralia.com/AIS are one of two Australian teams in the 2008 Tour de Langkawi
Nipppo-Meitan with the attacking Fukushima brothers in their camp
The riders from Trek Marco Polo on the podium at the presentations in Alor Star
Azad University Continental Team is back for another crack.
The La Tua team with Tasmanian Bernard Sulzberger (hand up) a late entry into the Tour
The Polygon Sweetnice team.
The Seoul Cycling Team.
Local Malaysian riders get ready to rider for the MNCF Cycling Team.
The Australian Drapac Porsche team are making in-roads into the world cycling circuit
The New Zealand National team will be feeling the heat in Malaysia
The pretty flowers weren't just in the foreground but on the jerseys as well.
The Malaysian National team are the crowd's favourite and will be hoping for a bold showing

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

Dignitaries view the team presentation (l-r) Dato Othman Aziz, Dato Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof (Chairman of the organizing committee), and Datuk Nam Mohamad.
A dance troupe performs a native Malaysian dance prior to the team presentations.
Datuk Naim Mohamad , the tours Chief Operating Officer addresses the crowd.
The Malaysian National Team waits patiently to be called to the stage for the team presentation.
The Credit Agricole Squad.
The Serramenti PVC team.
The Tinkoff Credit Systems team.
The Skil/Shimano team.
The AG2R Squad.
Team Type 1 is introduced at the team presentations.
Attractive podium girls are a universal constant at cycling events.
Malaysia is definitely a two wheeled transportation type of country.
A large press contingent was on hand to document the team presentations.