Chicchi from Italy bags first win LTdL

RIDERS Italian Francesco Chicchi of Team Fantini Vini-Selle Italian first win in Le Tour de Langkawi 2013 from Tapah to Kapar today.

Chicchi, 33, clocked three hours, 44 minutes and 22 seconds in the acceleration of the mass to the finish line in Kapar, topped compatriot Andrea Guardini from Pro Team Astana.

"This is my first race in Malaysia ... in particular in LTdL. At first, my goal is to win at least one stage and try to get the blue jersey. Anyway, this year's race so fierce because most of the fielding team a great rider , "he said.

In the sprint, the winner of 2011 and 2012 blue jersey jersey Guardini seized from China Wang Meiyin riders representing Hengxiang Cycling Team.

"Today, I won the jersey and it gives me confidence to compete better," said Guardini.

Meanwhile, Wang successfully defended the yellow jersey (best overall rider), red jersey (king of the hill) and the white jersey (best Asian rider overall).

Tomorrow, all 132 riders will face tough routes to Genting Highlands for five far 110.3km stage from Proton, Shah Alam to the resort.

This stage has a category 4 climb in Bukit Cerakah and three acceleration zone Coalfields, Swamp poles and Gombak before arriving at Hors Class climb to Genting Highlands.