Japan's Kohei Yamamoto (Specialized) made history at the Langkawi MTB Challenge. On the last stage, a place in the group of his closest pursuers was enough for him to celebrate the biggest success of his career to date. The 28-year-old Japanese, who has been on the podium at the Asian Championships several times, is the first rider from an Asian country to win the Langkawi MTB Challenge.
The last stage, meanwhile, went to Swiss Fabian Giger (Giant Pro XC), who was able to beat his Swedish teammate Emil Lindgren in the sprint. The South African Rourke Croeser was third on the day.
"It's an incredible dream that's coming true for me here", says Yamamoto at the finish, “To be the first Asian rider to win this strong race means a lot to me. Now I want to get to the top in the World Cup over the next two years.”
Yamamoto's teammate Lea Davison won the women's race. The American ceded victory to Maja Wloszczowska (Giant Pro XC). The South Tyrolean Eva Lechner (Colnago-Südtirol) was able to push Adelheid Morath (Sabine Spitz-Haibike) off the overall podium.
//Result men
1. Fabian Giger (Giant Pro XC) 34:13
2. Emil Lindgren (Giant Pro XC) 34:13
3. Rourke Croeser (Kargo MTB) 34:16
//Result women
1. Maja Wloszczowska (Giant Pro XC) 26:21
2. Lea Davison (Specialized Factory) 26:21
3. Nathalie Schneitter (Colnago South Tyrol) 26:23
//Total men
1. Kohei Yamamoto (Specialized Racing) 10:09:21
2. Emil Lindgren (Giant Pro XC) 10:12:03
3. Maxime Marrotte (BH-SR Suntour-KMC) 10:20:10
//Total women
1. Lea Davison (Specialized Factory) 9:40:02
2. Maja Wloszczowska (Giant Pro XC) 9:45:57
3. Eva Lechner (Colnago South Tyrol) 9:51:11