MOVING TO FAR EAST FOR TOUR DE LANGKAWI
Bardiani-CSF is going to face the first of two races scheduled for the second part of February, Le Tour of Lankgawi. Malaysian race, one of the most important cycling event in Asia (UCI category 2.HC) includes eight stages, from February 22 to March 1, with mixed routes on paper suited for fast riders. Three are the most insidious stages (fourth, fifth and seventh) that could decide the final classification.
Line up – Team director Stefano Zanatta will count on six man roster including sprinters Paolo Simion and Marco Maronese, all rounders Enrico Barbin, Lorenzo Rota and Simone Velasco, as well as rouleur Niccolò Pacinotti.
Quote – “Tour de Langkawi is an important step in our first part of the season” said Zanatta. “The race will be a test bench especially in view of spring calendar. Riders know this and I expect bold performances – no one has to miss the chance to do well. I’m confident we can leave our mark on the race. Our last attendane at Trofeo Laigueglia has been too much featureless, Malaysia must be our redemption”.
Facts – 2017 Tour de Langkawi will be third experience for Bardiani-CSF following 2015 and 2016. For the riders will be the first race in Malaysia, except Simion who took part also in past editions. Simion is also the rider who achieved best results with five top ten placement in 2016 (sixth the best one), while the #GreenTeam finished second in 2016 teams ranking. Average age of the team is 23, with Barbin the oldest (26 years old) and Velasco the younger (21).