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The 2004 Le Tour de Langkawi A pictorial, Stage 1

a pictorial by Darren Lee | images by Andrew "Hats" Lee and Melvin Choo

For the first time since its inception, the TdL was starting in Penang island. Now, starting in Penang wasn't such a big deal, unlike the starts in the Tour de France, the first stage of TdL was pretty much the same as any other day. But what made it so exciting was the fact that teams had started flying in as early as one week before race day, and to spot the riders going around Penang on their training rides (doing the roads you do every single weekend) was certainly thrilling. Heck, if you timed yourself correctly, you could even join the blokes on their rides. That is, if you can keep up! So after an exciting build-up, Friday finally arrived. A bunch of us took leave from our part-time jobs (you will note that we are full-time cyclists with bothesome day office jobs ... ) and converge at PISA for the sign-in and stage start. On, enough with the blabber and on to the pics!

The Vitamic C team

Having seen somewhat a lot of the Panaria Ceramiche Fiordo team guys on the road the last few days, we naturally headed over to where the team was for some photo ops. Panaria was no doubt one of the more well known teams in this year's Tour, and they have the distinction of having two reigning world champions (track pursuit) among them, Graeme "Brownie" Brown and Brett Lancaster. Me with Brownie. Pic © Andrew Lee Brownie somewhat has a reputation of being aloof, but that's probably because he doesn't smile that much. We thought he was ok, in fact, he's a pretty amiable guy. He didn't have such a great race this year, though, not winning a stage, but Brett had a thrilling solo victory on Stage 3. Brett. The next picture is one of my favourites, Andrew's got a great shot of Brett. I'll bet the girls will flip for this. Pics © Andrew Lee

And it so happened that TdL regular and one of our favourites, the ever friendly Fortunato Baliani was in the Panaria team this year. He won many fans with his aggresive and attacking ride last year, and always has a smile for his fans. What a guy!

Forza Fortunato! And I wasn't the only one who wanted a pic with him. Pic © Andrew Lee.

Mel with Fortunato. Pic © Melvin Choo

The Maples

The Canadian national team was hanging around under a shady tree, their profile no doubt enhanced by the presence of Roland Green, who had us in awe with his incessant attacks up Genting last year. Canadian national champion Dominique Perras (left) and Roland Green. Oh, that Mel, Shaun and myself at the back :-). Pic © Andrew Lee Little Joseph Chan gets comfy with Roland. Pic © Andrew Lee Eric Wohlberg looks pensive at the start line. Pic © Andrew Lee
The Colombians

The mighty Colombians. As expected, they swept everything before them. Me and Joseph with reigning Giro King of the Mountain and eventual 2004 TdL champion Freddy Gonzalez. Pic © Andrew Lee A closer look at the "custom shop" Daccordi. Note the Nokon cables. Pic © Andrew Lee

Famous people

Who else but the most famous tw- up in English cycling commentating? Phil (right) and Paul. Pic © Andrew Lee

Much maligned sprinter Ivan Quaranta (front). Pic © Andrew Lee

Charly Wegelius wonders if it'll rain to cool the hot weather. Wonder if he gets unlimited Big Macs. Pic © Andrew Lee

Crowd favourite Luciano Pagliarini waits at the start line. Note the painted Cosmic wheel of Japanese champion Sinichi Fukushima (bottom right). Pic © Andrew Lee

Rising Irish star Philip Deignan, only in his early twenties. Pic © Andrew Lee

Marco Pinotti. A graduate in engineering, by the way. Pic © Melvin Choo

And that's Francesco Moser, still fit and trim. Pic © Andrew Lee

And finally, other sights

Right before the start. Number 1 Luciano Pagliarini is bottom left. Pic © Melvin Choo

Now that's what you call helmet hair!!! Pic © Andrew Lee

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