REMAU, Malaysia — Malaysia Pro Cycling’s Mohd Iqbal Daniel Mohd Nawawi emerged as the fastest Malaysian rider during Stage 6 of the 30th Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) held on October 2, covering the 121.3-kilometer route from Pandan Indah to Rembau. Despite his familiarity with the course, which includes frequently trained sections like Ampang and Bukit Hantu, Iqbal found the race pace significantly more demanding than his regular training.

Finishing 18th overall with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 6 seconds after a bunch sprint to the finish, Iqbal acknowledged the challenge of competing at the race’s accelerated tempo. “I’m used to training here, but in this race, the pace is at a whole other level,” he said.

Known for his aggressive riding style, which earned him the most combative rider award during Stage 2 from Batu Pahat to Gunung Jerai, Iqbal pushed hard throughout the course. However, the demanding nature of the stage took its toll in the final kilometer. “My legs felt like they were giving up on me,” he commented, explaining that he had to ease off momentarily to recover before rejoining the peloton.

Iqbal also highlighted the disadvantage posed by his smaller stature and lack of team support compared to larger international squads. Unlike many competitors who benefit from pacers to maintain high speeds, he was largely reliant on his own efforts. “I’m small and I’m alone. I don’t have a big rider as a pacer to help,” he noted.

This stage marked the Under-23 national champion’s best finish at the Le Tour de Langkawi since his debut in 2024, having skipped the previous edition. As the race approaches its concluding phases, characterized by two sprint-focused stages, Iqbal is mindful of the impact of the prevailing hot weather conditions on his recovery and performance.

“The next stages will be tough because of the heat. I need to recover, but I will still give it my all,” he said.

Stage 7, scheduled for October 3, covers a 158.9-kilometer stretch from Melaka to Batu Pahat and includes sprint segments at Tangkak, Bukit Kepong, and Parit Sulong, promising another test of endurance and strategy for the riders.