KUALA KANGSAR: American John Murphy gave his team the perfect morale boost ahead of the most important stage of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) after snatching a well-deserved victory in the 107.2KM third stage from Kulim to Kuala Kangsar today.
The UnitedHealthCare rider edged Italian Francesco Cicchi (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) at the finish, taking the win in a time of two hours, 30 minutes and 31 seconds. Southeast-Venezuela's Jakub Mareczko (Italy) completed the podium.
Murphy had earlier finished fourth and fifth in the first and second stages.
Terengganu Cycling Team's (TSG) Harrif Saleh (15th), National Sports Council-Myrcron's Irwandie Lakasek (20th) and Anuar Manan (21st), also of TSG, were the three best placed Malaysians. They all finished in the same group as Murphy.
The 129.4KM fourth stage from Ipoh up to Cameron Highlands tomorrow is expected to play a major role in deciding the overall winner of the LTdL.