For an outfit backed by a brand whose timepieces adorn the wrists of those who understand the precise calculus of risk and reward, success amid the verdant rainforests and turquoise coastlines of the Malaysian circuit served to validate the team’s ambition and professional calibre.
The 2025 edition of LTdL, which began on Sept 28 and concluded on Oct 5, kicked off in Langkawi with a loop around the island covering a distance of 96.7km. The second stage was a 166.1km dash from Padang Besar in Perlis to Kepala Batas in northern Seberang Perai, Penang. Stage Three traversed Perak’s hills in Gerik and ended at the sandy beaches of Pasir Puteh in Kelantan, totalling 198.2km. Stage Four was a 141.5km ride along the east coast from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman.
The fifth stage started in Temerloh, Pahang, with a 123.1km summit finish atop Fraser’s Hill. A short and swift Stage Six took place over 123.5km from Shah Alam, Selangor, to
Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Stage Seven was a gruelling 214.9km marathon from Melaka to Medini in Johor. Lastly, Stage Eight culminated with a 180.2km ride from Tangkak, Johor, to the finishing line in Kuala Lumpur.
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Kolze Changizi and de Kleijn at Sincere Haute Horlogerie in Pavilion KL
Returning for the third consecutive year, the Tudor Pro Cycling team once again demonstrated fearless determination as six members zipped across the country. Led by sports director Marcel Sieber, the line-up comprised Arvid de Kleijn, Fabian Lienhard, Sebastian Kolze Changizi, Aivaras Mikutis, Roland Thalmann and Yannis Voisard.
Sprinter de Kleijn secured multiple podium finishes, including first in Stages Two and Six, while climber Voisard took third in Stage Five and Mikutis took second place in Stage Eight. The tour was completed with Voisard securing third in the Overall Individual General Classification and de Kleijn taking second place in the Overall Best Sprinter’s Classification.
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Marking the close of an exhilarating week, Sieber, de Kleijn and Kolze Changizi joined Tudor and Sincere Fine Watches in a celebratory lunch with a select number of journalists at Sincere Haute Horlogerie in Pavilion KL.
Dutchman de Kleijn, 31, reflected on his two victories, which he also achieved on Malaysian soil in 2023 and 2024.
“It was a super positive week. Of course, there were also challenges. We had some heavy rain for two days. After that, I fell sick; so, there were two stages where I didn’t feel good and couldn’t compete for the win. But we had two victories and a nice third spot for Yannis in the GC,” he said.
Although de Kleijn had an ideal team line-up in his mind to take on LTdL 2025, a reshuffling introduced new members. “We had to get used to each other and our different ways of riding. It’s communication, too, because we speak different languages and you can’t say a whole sentence in a sprint. So, we had to adjust a lot, but I think we did really well. We all just clicked.
“From day one, it was really special to have such a great vibe within the team, even with the jet lag,” he joked.
Kolze Changizi, 24, echoed this sentiment, sharing a fond memory: “After one of the stages, we arrived at the hotel but the rooms weren’t ready. There was a tent where the mechanic was fixing up the bikes. Our whole team sat together to accompany him. We were laughing, having ice cream and telling stories. It’s not something that happens often and I don’t take it for granted. These experiences strengthen the bond and make you give 110% on the road.”
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The duo raced together at LTdL for three consecutive years and shared that adopting a new regime helped their bodies adjust to the tropical weather.
“We went through heat training to better adapt to higher temperatures. It’s not pleasant, but the exercise makes it a little easier when we come here. This new method of training is starting to gain traction. In the past, cyclists used to attend these altitude camps. You’d go up the mountains and stay there for three weeks. The body increases blood volume and you perform better. They’re thinking this can be achieved through heat training as well because the body is under so much stress it’ll try to produce more red blood cells,” Kolze Changizi explained. “It’s like winter gear,” de Kleijn elaborated further.
“You put on layers and do a certain programme under the sun. Sometimes, you get a fever and goosebumps and feel super miserable, but it helps.”
While individual training expands personal limits, collaboration is vital for victory.
“Everyone has to be clear on what their role and task is, which is why we have Marcel, who provides us with all the information so we can do a good job. I’m extremely detailed when it comes to this. I put as much pressure on the members to do their jobs well as I do on myself,” de Kleijn continued.
“For example, one of our jobs [as a supporter] is to shelter the sprinter from the wind,” Kolze Changizi said. “If there is one person in front of you, 40% of drag is cut. If there are two people, it’s 60%. When you go into the final sprint, there are 70 guys waiting to do the same, but there’s only room for 10 to 15. So, we need to put Arvid in a position where he can sprint without having to pass too many people.
“That’s what I love about cycling. Every day’s different. When we stand on the podium together, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
This drive to win reflects Tudor’s own motto: Born to Dare.
“If you have this daring mentality to try your best every single time, you will go so much further,” said de Kleijn. “You’ll never succeed if you don’t try.”
