David Zabriskie owns the 20.3 kilometre opening stage of the Tour de Langkawi 2012
David Zabriskie of Team Garmin-Barracuda claimed the opening stage of the race with his splendid performance at the Le Tour de Langkawi 2012.
The American finished the 20.3 kilometre stage in the fastest time of 24 minutes and 34 seconds to grab his first win of the season.
The cyclist has now achieved the yellow jersey, as he overcame Adam Phelan and Darren Lapthorne during the first day of the ten-day staged race.
Phelan of Team Drapac achieved the second position with a deficit of one minute, while Darren finished further 11 seconds behind, at the third position.
David noted, "I am very happy to wear the yellow jersey, today I was fine, I was excited to start my 2012 with a time trial. The course suited me and the roads were great, I had no references in the race lap times, I went by instinct. It is always nice to win, I'm happy".
The first edition of the Tour de Langkawi was scheduled in 1996 and the race is organised every year since then. Australian rider, Damian McDonald succeeded during the initial version of the race.
Paolo Lanfranchi of Italy holds the honour of winning the race for the maximum number of two times, while Jonathan Monsalve succeeded during the previous edition of the race.
A total number of four jerseys are offered during the four different categories of the race.
These comprise, the general classifications jersey, point’s classifications jersey, King of Mountains jersey and the Asian rider’s classifications.
The Malaysian contest also offers two additional awards, Asian teams classifications and the team’s classifications.
Zabriskie is now leading the overall classifications with Adam Phelan and Darren Lapthorne at the second and the third positions, respectively.
Tom Danielson, Jose Rujano Guillen, Joseph Cooper, Dmitriy Gruzdev and Alexsandr Dyachenko claimed the next five positions in the respective order.
Team Garmin Barracuda is currently leading the team’s classifications with Team Drapac Cycling, Team Androni Giocattoli, Team Astana and Tabriz Petrochemical Team at the second, third, fourth and fifth positions in the respective order.
The 17th edition of the Malaysian race will continue on Saturday, where the cyclists will have to cover a gruelling distance of 151 kilometres, from Putrajaya to Melaka.
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