Ebsen reigns as ‘king of the mountain’ in Langkawi

KUALA LUMPUR—With eventual race winner Ryan Gibbons (Dimension Data) holding an unassailable lead over the field in the latter half of Le Tour de Langkawi (UCI 2.HC), only the points and mountain jerseys remained in contention out of the major classifications on the eighth and final stage of the UCI Asia Tour road race.

After the second of the two categorised climbs literally split the field in half, two-time stage winner Jakub Mareczko (Wilier Triestina) found himself on the back side of the race, which immediately paved the way for Gibbons, who made the first group cut, to reclaim the points jersey he lost one day earlier.

Like the points classification, the mountain classification also came down to the wire on Wednesday. The race’s only European not of Italian descent John Ebsen (Infinite AIS) had held the red and green jersey for the entire race, and as planned, marked his rivals on the final two climbs to ensure top placement.

“[Wilmar Jahir Perez] went for it very early,” explained Ebsen, racing for Infinite AIS after riding with One Pro Cycling last year. “I’m not really a sprinter … luckily a few other guys took out the points so the jersey was pretty much secure.

“The second climb suited me better … it was much higher speed and all the top heavy guys were out of the peloton, so I could do my thing and take a few points and secure the jersey. From there on it was clear sailing home.”

With the mountain classification victory, Ebsen becomes the first Danish rider to win a jersey at Langkawi, although his success this week has not garnered much – if any – media attention from home according to the 28-year-old.

“I’m very honoured,” said Ebsen, who splits time between Denmark and Taiwan during the year. “At least I get some respect at this race, because the Danish media haven’t really been on my side. So, it’s been very nice.

“I have not received any interviews from any organisations or newspapers in Denmark, so very happy to get some press here.”

When asked to explain the appeal of the mountain jersey at the post-race press conference, the champion was immediate with his response.

“It’s a war,” he told Eurosport emphatically. “You can have a good day, but you need to have many good days to stay in the mountain jersey, the sprint jersey as well. You have to think every day about not losing time and playing the game … you can’t just take a day off and let someone go up the road.”

The 22nd edition of the race marked the third straight year the race has not included the infamous Genting Highlands due to continued construction, and thus opting for the Cameron Highlands instead.

“I miss the hill,” said Ebsen of the Genting. “Hopefully they will get it back on the map, and if – and when – they do, I hope to be there to attack it too.”