LTDL 2024: SIMON'S READY TO CARR-Y ON WINNING

LANGKAWI, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- EF-Education-Easypost rider Simon Carr is ready to defend his title when Stage One of the 2024 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) kicks off tomorrow.

The 26-year-old, who became the first British cyclist to win the Green Jersey (general classification - GC) in the 2023 edition, said he is ready to do his best despite this year's competition looking a more open affair.

"In some ways, that was my best achievement since it was the only GC (overall champion) I won last year. It was a really nice result to end the season last year.

"I'm in the best shape now, similar to last year, and I'm here with the same ambition: to get a really good GC and win the overall title,” he told a pre-LTdL media conference here today.

Carr, however, was quick to add that he would never underestimate the capabilities of the other riders in the race for the coveted Green Jersey.

"We have a pretty good team here and everyone is motivated to race… (so) that’s a positive thing. 

"The course is quite different... last year, it came down to (the) Genting Highlands (stage), but this year (it's) slightly easier. Perhaps, it’s harder to predict, maybe even someone who is not a climber can also win the GC,” he said.

In the 2023 edition, Carr made history in his maiden LTdL appearance when he became the first rider to win Stage Five from Slim River to Genting Highlands.

Stage One of the LTdL 2024 will start in Kuah tomorrow, with the riders covering 96.5 kilometres (km) around Pulau Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA