The Italian completed the stage in 3:29:04, beating KSPO Bianchi Asia Procycling’s Joonyong Seo (Korea) and Dimension Data’s Mekseb Debesay (Eritrea) into second and third respectively.

Bardiani CSF’s Andrea Guardini won the 147.9km first stage of the Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia today. Photo: @ltdlofficial

South Africa’s Nicholas Dlamini, riding for DiData, finished 33rd, with teammate and compatriot Johann van Zyl placing 70th. Jaco Venter finished in 80th.

Bennelong Swiss Wellness Cycling’s Brendon Davids (South Africa) came 76th.

View more results below.

Stage one

1. Andrea Guardini (Bardiani CSF) 3:29:04
2. Joonyong Seo (KSPO Bianchi Asia Procycling)
3. Mekseb Debesay (Dimension Data)
4. Manuel Belletti (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec)
5. Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team)
6. Luca Pacioni (Wilier Triestina-Selle Italia)
7. Kaden Groves (St George Continental Cycling Team)
8. Scott Sunderland (Bennelong Swisswellness Cycling Team)
9. Alan Banaszek (CCC Sprandi Polkowice)