Andrea Guardini (Astana) got close to extending his record of stage wins in the Tour de Langkawi when he finished 2nd in today's 8th stage of the race. While admitting that stage winner Theo Bos had been the strongest, the Italian took the opportunity to criticize the dangerous finish.

For the second year in a row, Andrea Guardini has been unable to continue his impressive run of success in the Tour de Langkawi where he is the record holder of most stage wins. Like last year, he has only been able to take one win so far and time is running out for the fast Italian.

Guardini got close to another win today when he finished second behind Theo Bos. The finale was marred by a big crash that brought down several riders and was caused by a corner just 300m from the line.

Guardini admitted that Belkin and Bos had been too strong.

“It was a sprint and a half today," he said. "First before the final left turn to get into position, then for the finish. I got into 4th position at the first one, then tried to pass riders for the victory at the end but Bos was already gone.

"After two days of 200+ kilometers today’s race was only 250m long but it was a long 250 meters," he added, referring to the otherwise easy stage.

“I tried to make the sprint before the left turn, to take position and pass Theo, but he was too strong," he added to Cyclingnews. "It’s (Belkin) a big team and they do really good work every day and for this finish, it is normal that when you have a really strong team, it is easier to win."

Guardini criticized the dangerous finale that had caused the big crash.

 “I don’t know (about the crash), because I was in front, but it is normal," he said. "It is a really, really dangerous finish. I talked with the organisation to check this, because 200km straight and one curve at 300 metres is too dangerous."

Guardini has two more chance to take a stage win in this year's race and both stages are expected to end in a bunch sprint.