The team has not finished its trek through Malaysia, however it has made its mark in the standings thus far.
Stage One was not a prologue circuit race, as many week-long stage races are. Instead Malaysia kicked off its 2009 Tour with a 176.8 km course through what are described as some of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Asia. Matty Rice finished in 20th place, while Kiel Reijnen grabbed 12th.
Stage Two was another long day in the saddle at 192 km, and it included a KOM climb to the top of the tallest mountain in Penninsular Malaysia, where Canadian Will Routley took 7th and Rice moved up to 4th.
Stage Three hosted three KOM points and claimed the highest route in the Tour. After finishing the 172 km, Routley climbed up to 4th place.
Stage Four began with a jostled peloton from the mountainous Stage Three. It followed a 177 km flat route along Malaysia’s eastern beaches that tested even the quickest peddlers to keep up. At the end, Matty Rice moved back up into 20th and Will Routley was not far behind in 26th.
Stage Five was another speedy route at 204 flat km. Rice finished in 15th and Will was in 20th.
Stage Six moved even further inland and traveled a short 136 km, which included one KOM and three Sprint points. At the end of this stage, Will moved into 4th and Rice held his position in 15th.
There are two stages left in the Tour of Malaysia. No matter what the results will be, these long, hot and humid days in the saddle should prove to be the perfect vehicle to get the team ready for the Joe Martin Bicycle Classic May 7-10 in Fayetteville, Ark.
Molly Saunders
Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team PR
