McLeod guides South African team in Langkawi

South African Champion Ian McLeod will guide his national team at the Tour de Langkawi, February 9 to 15. He finished ninth last year and will provide a classification option along with teammate Jacques Janse van Rensburg.

"I've loved this race since the first time I took part in it back in 2001", McLeod said. "To win Le Tour de Langkawi is my biggest goal."

The 28-year-old rode for French team Française des Jeux from 2005 to 2007, but represented South Africa last year. He hopes to return to race with a European team next year.

The team for Langkawi includes McLeod, climber and Under 23 national champion Janse van Rensburg, Johann Rabie, Nolan Hofmann, Jaco Venter and Christoff van Heerden. Apart from McLeod, the members of the South African team are between 22 and 24-years-old.

The 14th edition of the race will feature 19 other teams that range from Continental to ProTour level. The 2008 edition was won by Ruslan Ivanov.