KUALA LUMPUR: The 29th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) proved to be one of the most intense in recent years, with the battle for the green jersey and overall title going right down to the wire in the final stage yesterday.

For Joris Delbove, who made history as the second Frenchman to win the race in 18 years, the final day was filled with immense pressure despite holding the leader’s jersey since his stunning victory on Stage Five from Temerloh to the peak of Fraser’s Hill.