Leonardo Duque proved again that Colombia is more than a team of climbers when he sprinted to third in today's 7th stage of the Tour de Langkawi. The result came at the end of another extremely aggressive showing by the Colombian team that had again sent stage 1 winner Duber Quintero on the attack.

“We are racing with more confidence and determination day by day, always going for the maximum goal, giving our heart out. And when you manage to do that, results usually come to reward you.”

Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi’s words are a perfect summary of another attacking performance by Team Colombia over the 230 km longest stage of the Tour de Langkawi (Kota Tinggi-Pekan), capped by Leonardo Duque’s third place in the sprint behind Theo Bos (Belkin) and Aidis Kruopis (Orica-GreenEDGE).

The final sprint came at the end of another frantic stage, in spite of the heat and a fairly seamless altitude profile. Break attempts came in profusion since the early going, with only one detail in common: a Team Colombia jersey in all of them.

In turns, Leonardo Duque, Carlos Julian Quintero and Jeffry Romero managed to cover every break attempt, until Duber Quintero worked his way into the day’s breakaway on the only categorized mountain of the day, moving along with Monsalve (Neri Sottoli), Lancaster (Orica-GreenEDGE) and Sheppard (Singapore). It was the second long breakaway attempt for Duber in the race: his first time out, his effort had led him to the first pro win and the race leader’s jersey.

The quartet remained in the lead until 15 km to go, leaving the way to a frantic finale. An 8-man action tried to get clear just after the regrouping, including Juan Pablo Valencia, and right after that it was Carlos Julian Quintero (turning 28 today) who went solo, battling against the whole bunch for some hundredths meters.

Then it was Jeffry Romero and Leonardo Duque’s time to kick into action.

“We had not reviewed the finish, but the masseurs on the line gave us all the indications for the final kilometres – big bend to the left, then to the right – and we knew good tactics could mean bagging a good result,” Sports Director Tebaldi explained.

“Jeffry was really good in setting up Leo and bringing him in good position, and then he was smart as usual in managing a difficult finish and coming home with a valuable result, that will further boost our morale. It’s a much deserved reward for a team that starts every day with the maximum goal in mind, backed by excellent condition and tactic awareness. I have many reasons to be happy with the team!”

Iranian Poorseyedigolakhour keeps leading the overall standings, while Carlos Julian Quintero is sitting in 11th position.

The only downside of the day was Robinson Chalapud’s retirement, due to a knee issue.

Tomorrow, March 6th, the eight stage of the Tour de Langkawi will take the riders from Kuantan to Marang through 202 km.

“Only three stages left now, and we will keep on fighting,” Tebaldi said. He sounded sincere.