Monsalve

“I must thank my team for the good work that has been done since the beginning of the stage,” said a very satisfied Monsalve afterwards.

UHC’s Forster nabs longest Langkawi stage as Monsalve takes over the lead 2011

Venezuelan competitor Monsalve had started the rain-lashed stage two seconds behind his Colombian rival, but moved level on time when he was runner-up in the first intermediate sprint at Bahau Km18.7.

UHC’s Forster nabs longest Langkawi stage as Monsalve takes over the lead 2011

There are five flatter stages before the race ends in Kuala Lumpur, and he only has a two-second advantage over Monsalve.

Libardo Nino Corredor, 43, takes lead at Langkawi after grueling Genting Highlands stage 2011

The German rider narrowly edged out friend and competitor André Schulze (CCC Polstat Polkowice) at the end of the longest stage of the race, while determined sprinting earlier on saw Jonnathan Monsalve (Androni Giocattoli) move ahead of Libardo Nino Corredor (Le Tua) in the general classification.

UHC’s Forster nabs longest Langkawi stage as Monsalve takes over the lead 2011

Monsalve has the stronger team and with experienced manager Gianni Savio at the helm and looking to win the race once again, he is in a very good position.

UHC’s Forster nabs longest Langkawi stage as Monsalve takes over the lead 2011

Monsalve will be motivated to preserve his five second advantage over Nino Corredor, while the Tabriz Petrochemical riders will be gunning to hold onto the team general classification lead they grabbed Monday.

Boris Shpilevsky wins shortened Langkawi stage, Monsalve strengthens lead 2011

Top rival Monsalve explained that the team decided to ride in order to prevent another rider jumping above him in the general classification.

Andrea Guardini wins stage 6, his third, at the 2011 Tour de Langkawi 2011

Monsalve took the stage and the mountains jersey, but the jersey went to runner-up Corredor.

Libardo Nino Corredor, 43, takes lead at Langkawi after grueling Genting Highlands stage 2011

Nino lost the lead on Sunday to Monsalve, but remained just two seconds back.

Old dogs and underdogs: A chat with Langkawi’s veteran GC contender, Libardo Nino 2011

Alfonso RIVERO Monsalve chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

The 2001 CIA World Factbook United States. Central Intelligence Agency