Matteo Malucelli is one of the most anticipated athletes at the Tour de Langkawi, with 6 stage wins in total, three of which came last year, but his trip did not start in the best way. Yesterday morning during a training session with the team in the Shah Alam area, he was victim of a crash that prevented him from attending the presentation conference of the Malaysian race.

Having slipped due to wet road conditions, the XDS Astana rider was taken to the hospital for medical examinations that ruled out any fractures. Matteo returned to the hotel with the team and was back on his bike that same afternoon. According to information provided by the staff and Matteo himself, the issue is related to his right hand, which is severely painful, and some abrasions on his body.

Today in Malaysia, the first stage takes place from Shah Alam to Kampar, the longest one on the schedule and perfect for Malucelli's sprinting abilities—he had won the opening stage last year. This morning he presented himself at the start with a visibly swollen right hand but with great determination to race and prove himself, also thanks to the warm support of his many Malaysian fans. Given the highly probable sprint finish today, the XDS Astana team can also count on Russian Gleb Syritsa, who has already won 4 stages, with his last victory in 2024.