Loddo claims second win on Langkawi cycling tour

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Italy's Alberto Loddo has given a star performance to win stage four of Le Tour de Langkawi 2007 and claim his second victory so far in Asia's biggest cycling event.

Monday's race from the Malaysia's east coast town of Gua Musang in Kelantan state to Kota Bahru -- which attracted some 50,000 spectators along the route -- saw a tense climax as at least 10 riders crashed just 50 metres from the finish line Monday.

Loddo, from the Selle Italia-Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni team, completed the 178-kilometre stage, the longest this year, in 4 hours and 58 seconds.

The first 10 riders who made it to the finish line were also awarded the same time after a bunched sprint finish.

"I would like to thank my teammates for this victory. This win was not any easier than the first," said Loddo at ...