Defending champion Norris wins stage 3

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Defending LIMBC champion Lachlan Norris (Giant Australia) claimed the Olympic distance cross country stage 3, winning by a 40-second margin over second placed Johnny Cattaneo (Full Dynamix). The top Aussie clocked one hour, 20 minutes, 53 seconds and was followed closely by Cattaneo and stage 2 winner Karl Platt (Team Bulls) in 1:21.28.

Among the elite women, there was no stopping Swiss rider Nathalie Schneitter as she cruised to her third successive stage win, covering the six-lap race in 1:13.45, followed by her Colnago Farbe Sudtirol teammate, Vivienne Meyer and Jodie Willet.

"From the start, both Vivienne and I wanted to remain in front because otherwise it would have been congested, having been flagged off together with the master and senior categories," said Schneitter. "I really enjoyed the course today, because it had some interesting climbs and downhill trail."

"But I'm a little bit wary of tomorrow's race because climbing is not my forte. Our task is to remain in the fray before the steep ascent. Vivienne is a stronger climber, so our focus is to keep the overall lead."

LIMBC 2011 resumes tomorrow with the king of the mountain and cross country race which will end at the Gunung Raya Hill as stage 4. The distance is 27.8km with the first half of the race mostly flat terrains before a steep climb to the finish line.

On stage 4, two road pros will join the fray including Vuelta a Espana runner-up Chris Froome and Adam Blythe.

"I think it will be good for professional road riders to take a break and try their hand at mountain biking after a hectic and long season. We've already gotten some positive feedback from riders in Langkawi on the race," said organizers.

"I would have competed in Langkawi if not for my commitment with Team Sky," said Froome who enjoyed a breakthrough season with a second place finish in Spain last month.

"I think the biggest challenge for any European rider to compete here is the heat and humidity, but my first impression of the island is that it has a structure in place."

Organizers were pleased with the presence of several road riders. "LIMBC is only into its second year but we have with us here two world-class road cyclists, which I hope will set a new trend," said Abdul Malik of the race's organization.

Brief Results