Queen Stage - LtdL 2014

I was there again this year at Stage 4 'Queen Stage' at Genting Highlands for the le Tour de Langkawi 2014. Though my earlier plan was to cycle up like the rest of the Malaysian cyclist enthusiasts, a last minute decision was made to avoid from regrets and catastrophe. Actually, body was aching from playing football over 3 evenings in the neighbourhood. 

You know the drill la, the anxiety was high and young but the old body was struggling to catch up. Then there were also kids and teenagers also, these few dads were marching up and down the football field when it was only 15 minutes into the game. All joints were screaming in pain like a post marathon syndrome. Pardon me for the long absence from running. 

Instead of having to wake up early on Sunday morning, struggling from the aches some more, I was able to supervise my kids for their early morning tuition and homework drill with breakfast by chef dad. Casually drove to Genting Highlands at 9:00 AM.

Right after the first climb from Karak Highway with 10% inclination, I was already greeted with gritting teeth cyclists cranking up the slope. Met a friend which seemed to be still energetic. As I coast uphill, more and more weekend warriors spread all over the climb towards Goh Tong Jaya. Weather was superb, not too cold and not too shiny.

The gradient became 'ammah' after Goh Tong Jaya. The first few stretches were long and granny. It was silence but not until some ego-maniac superbikes vroom-ing by like they own the road. Talking about respects. Piece by piece I met with cycling friends completing the puzzle of who was ahead and who was taking their leisurely pace.

The spot for a good view of the stage will be at the so call chinese temple, a few kilometres before the peak. This spot have been favoured by spectators for years. It could be having the most steepest, but best of all, there weren't any officials manning the fans. Every year, the spot drew in growing number of crowds. This year, it was probably the largest since the stage falls on Sunday.

ETA for the peloton was 12:30 PM. There was a slight delay but we waited at the corners patiently. Weather was still good, allowing for chillax talks and kinds like that.

Once the cavalcade drove by, the madness took place with adrenalines flying around, be it the pros themselves and the fans. Let the photos tell the madness...