In the most impressive result in his career to date, 25 year old road cyclist from Tasmania, Jai Crawford has finished the prodigious Le Tour de Langkawi in second place, just 27 seconds behind event winner Jose Serpa of Columbia.


Setting off on the 1,031km tour, to cover seven Malaysian states in seven days, Jai Crawford was among 119 of the world’s best riders, and for the first time riding as part of the Australia National Team.

Ahead lay some of the most ominous mountains in world touring. Jai, in great form of late, coming off his KOM title at the Tour of Wellington only a few weeks earlier, had set himself to better his 5th place at Langkawi in 2007.


After posting solid peloton finishes in the first four stages of the tour, Jai had this to say of Stage Five’s climb up the Genting Highlands; the defining leg of this years event.

“It would have been nice to win the stage and take the yellow jersey but second was still pretty good.  It was a particularly pleasing moment for me to be able to justify the faith Brian Stephens (Team Manager) and my team mates had placed in me before the Genting stage.  It was my first National Team for road cycling and to be leading it plus produce the goods was a proud moment for me.”


With the number of GC podiums and stage results in international races that Jai has accumulated over recent years, a contract at the highest level is what he rightfully chases next.  As determined to make this a reality as ever, this ASCENDing Star is set for more strong showings in the Tour of Qinghai Lake in China at the end of July and the Herald Sun Tour back in Australia this October.

When speaking to the ASCEND team after the event Jai also passed us on the tip “I have been eating a Recovery Bar 45 minutes before the start of stages and I think it’s been working a treat.”   The combination of Carbs and exclusive ASCEND Recovery protein peptide, helps maintain energy levels by refuelling muscles through out a ride; whether you’re at an elite level or just a weekend warrior!

 

2009 Le Tour de Langkawi Results

PLACE   RIDER (COUNTRY)                                   TC        TIME/GAP

1              SERPA PEREZ, Jose Rodolfo (COL)     SDA     25:51:25
2              CRAWFORD, Jai (AUS)                             AUS       + 00:27
3              RODRIGUEZ, Jackson (VEN)                  SDA       + 00:47

4              KESSIAKOFF, Frederrik (SWD)                FUJ       + 00:54
5              TSCHOPP, Johann (SUI)                          BBO      + 01:22
6              JANSE VAN RENSBURG J (RSA)           RSA       + 02:29
7              SUSANTO, Tonton (INA)                            LZA        + 02:44
8              EUSER, Lucas (USA)                                GRM      + 03:16
9              GOMEZ MARCHANTE J A (ESP)             CTT        + 03:37
10            PORTE, Richie (AUS)                                AUS       + 03:44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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