Gerik: It was a ride-or-die situation for Malaysia’s Tsen Ren Bao, who threw everything on the line in today’s third stage of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2025 from Gerik to Pasir Puteh to finish as the best local rider and claim the Best ASEAN stage three rider today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ren Bao, who rides for Australian outfit St George Continental, finished 28th in the same group as stage winner Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana Team).

The 22-year-old said he was tempted to go hard early on but reined in his efforts to ensure he could finish strong.

‘I told the boys (teammates) if none of them (two best Malaysian sprinters) in our group I’m going all in. I don’t care if I crash or die today because I really want it and took all the risk and yeah I got it,’ he said when met after the race.

Ren Bao who is the son of a former Malaysian road rider Tsen Seong Hoong said that today’s title has given him a strong boost of motivation to face the remaining five stages of the LTdL.

‘It feels so good, If my dad’s watching this, I’m one up on you right now. This is a good beginning for me, it definitely helps to boost my motivation,’ he said.