The Colombian Sebastian Henao is one of the favorites for victory in Malaysia, at the Le Tour de Langkawi. The Team Sky rider, happy to inherit the leadership, hopes to shine on this race according to Cyclingnews. “Being in a top team and having leadership in a race is a big moment for me."

"Being a leader at such an early stage fills me with satisfaction. The team has put its faith in me and I want to take full advantage of this opportunity”, he added.

Team Sky will race for the first time this race and the staff will bet also on Deignan who has finished 11th overall in 2009.

“I was really happy with my performance at the Giro d’Italia last year [22nd at his debut Grand Tour]. That gave me a lot of confidence, more skills and helped me to get to know my body better in stage races, and how to. Here I know that I’ve got teammates around me who are strong in the mountains, they will give me great support and put me in a position to fight.”

He explained also that the Le Tour de Langkawi delighted the Colombien and Venezuelan riders. “The Tour de Langkawi is a race I have followed in the past because lots of Colombians have done well here,” said Henao. “If I could win it would be fantastic for me, it would give me a lot of pride and would be a great boost ahead of the important races coming up. It would mean a lot for the team and also in terms of my career.”