Yamamoto, Davison win overall in Langkawi

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Fabian Giger (Giant Pro XC Team) and teammate Emil Lindgren finished 1-2 in stage 5 of the Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge (LIMBC) in Pantai Kok on Saturday, the second stage win of the race for the Swiss rider. Maja Wloszczowska (Giant Pro XC Team) won the final stage of the women's race in a sprint finish ahead of Lea Davison (Specialized Factory Racing).

Kohei Yamamoto (Specialized Racing) won the men's general classification, the first Asian rider to claim overall victory in the men's event, while Davison prevailed in the women's general classification, the first rider to defend an overall title at the LIMBC.

Men

Yamamoto, who carried a 2:42 lead over closest challenger Emil Lindgren into the final stage, played it safe by sticking with the leading group. Lindgren finished second behind his teammate and 2012 LIMBC champion Fabian Giger, but could only reduce the fourth-placed Yamamoto's overall lead by a few seconds.

"It is a dream come true to become the first Asian winner here," said the 28-year-old Yamamoto. "It was not easy because of the strong field of competitors, but I felt no pressure and raced to my true ability.

"I hope my win here will be the start of more success for the Asian riders in world-class competitions. My next target will be to compete for the title in the World Cup, and I will give myself two years to achieve it."

Lindgren maintained his second place position in the overall standings, with Frenchman Maxime Marotte of BH Brsuntour KMC finishing third on general classification at 10:49.

Women

Davison proved she is the queen of mountain biking in Langkawi after producing an explosive finish to cap her second straight overall title. Defending the overall title was already a foregone conclusion before Saturday's fifth and final stage, but the American nonetheless battled Giant Pro XC Team's Maja Wloszczowska to the line in a sprint finale claimed by the Polish rider.

Wloszczowska won the battle to take her first stage win in Langkawi, but lost the war for the overall title.

"I may be the defending champion, but I did not have it easy because of the tough competitors and every race was closely fought," said Davison. "There is something about Langkawi which brings out my best performances. Maybe it is because of the familiar muddy courses that are similar to the ones back home in Vermont. I am looking forward to returning next year and win a third time."

Wloszczowska finished second in the overall standings, with Eva Lechner of Colnago Sudtirol taking third place on general classification.

"After a string of second and third place finishes in Langkawi and the last two events I competed in, it feels good to finally get a stage win," said Wloszczowska. "Although I was eyeing the overall title before the start of the competition, Lea was simply too good and deserved her victory. I am satisfied with my overall second placing in this tough competition."

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