EMOTIONAL FAREWELL: KRISTOFF GIVEN GUARD-OF-HONOUR SEND-OFF AT LTDL 2025

TANGKAK, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Norwegian sprint legend Alexander Kristoff received a guard of honour before the start of the final stage of the 2025 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) today, marking his official retirement from professional cycling.

During the ceremony at Dataran Tangkak Ledang here today, the 38-year-old was given the special send-off before the start of Stage Eight of LTdL 2025 by being escorted to the starting line on a trishaw ridden by Malaysian road cycling legend Anuar Manan. 

Riders from the peloton lined both sides of the road, raising their bicycles in salute as Kristoff waved to the crowd in an emotional farewell.

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Kristoff, who crashed during Stage Seven from Melaka to Medini yesterday, was unable to start today’s final stage from Tangkak to Kuala Lumpur.

“I’m already retired now because I cannot race today after yesterday's crash, but it’s nice to be here to say goodbye.

“I was hoping to finish the race, but still, to get an honour ceremony like this means a lot. It’s been an honour to be in the pro peloton for so many years,” he said.

Among his notable achievements are victories in Milan-San Remo (2014), Tour of Flanders (2015), four Tour de France stage wins and the European Championship (2017), along with podium finishes at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Meanwhile, Kristoff said he will continue to contribute to the sport as part of the Tour of Norway organising committee.

“I look forward to working with the Tour of Norway organisation. But I will also be busy at home because my fifth son will be born in February,” he said.

Kristoff, who made his LTdL debut this year, praised the organisation and the safety of the Malaysian race.

“It’s been cool to be here for the first time. The race was very secure and well-organised. If I were still racing, I’d definitely come back,” he said.

-- BERNAMA