February 2, 2006 – The Tour of Langkawi begins tomorrow, with the 10-stage race once again to be one of the highlights of the early season calendar. With strong teams like Colombia Selle Italia, Credit Agricole and AG2R Prevoyance, ready to test their early season fitness, this year’s edition is set to be a wide-open race.

Unlike last year, when the strong Discovery team raced and controlled the field, the 2006 race should have a lot more surprises in store. The race begins tomorrow with an 81km stage from Tower-Rawang. Look for the decisive day to come on the fifth stage to Genting Highlands, and the 16.2km TT on the penultimate day.

The Stages:

Stage 1 -Friday, February 3KL Tower – Rawang 81.1km
Stage 2 – Saturday, February 4Tanjung Malim – Sitiawan 164.7km
Stage 3 – Sunday, February 5Lumut – Cameron Highlands 150.3km
Stage 4 – Monday, February 6Tapah – Kuala Selangor 144.5km
Stage 5 – Tuesday, February 7Menara TM – Genting Highlands 90km
Stage 6 – Wednesday, February 8Shah Alam – Tampin 187.7km
Stage 7 – Thursday, February 9Muar – Kota Tinggi 188.2km
Stage 8 – Friday, February 10Yong Peng – Segamat 72.7km
Stage 9 – Saturday, February 11Melaka Individual Time Trial 16.2km
Stage 10 – Sunday, February 12KL Criterium 60km