Giger and Davison win Langkawi International MTB Challenge

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Fabian Giger (Rabobank-Giant Offroad Team) and Lea Davison (Team Specialized) officially conquered the third edition of the Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge after executing a well-thought-out strategy through the final stage of the race on Saturday.

Giger and Davison paced themselves in their respective categories as both maintained their healthy leads to earn the challenge trophy at Pantai Kok short track.

The Swiss ace from Rabobank-Giant triumphed by staying close to the leading pack and finishing sixth in the sprint finish dubbed as "The Beach Sprint". 2011 race champion champion Karl Platt (Team Bulls) won the final stage with Florian Vogel (Scott Swisspower) and Burry Stander (Team Specialized) completing the podium stage in second and third places, respectively.

Giger's sixth was enough to secure the overall lead as the yellow jersey holder had a comfortable lead of 6:18 entering into the final stage.

"I knew I had a good lead before the race today, so I just needed to stay close to the leading pack," said Giger. "This is a memorable win for me. It is quite tough throughout in the overall race in Langkawi considering the heat, humidity, rain, deep trail, slippery tracks and all. But now I am super happy about winning it today."

In the women's category, Lea Davison, with an overall time advantage of 9:21 over her nearest rival, finished in the second place on the final stage. Eva Lechner (Colnado-Sudtirol) won the final stage while her teammate, 2011 race champion Nathalie Schneitter, placed third.

After scaling the hilly terrain and engaging in small battles against mud, insects and leeches all week, the 29-year-old American was ecstatic after the race and celebrated by running to the beach and diving into the water.

"I am so pleased to be on the podium and to win the title," said Davison, a London Games Olympian. "The whole race was hard but fun, and I have to compliment the organizer for the good organization and allowing the riders to enjoy the waterfall and majestic stretch along the stream and beaches."

"I had quite a strong lead before today's stage and the second place finish was the ideal way to end the race. To win this race in Asia for the first time, it is really a treat."

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