MALAYSIA’S ANUAR MANAN AND MOHD ADIQ HUSAINIE TO LEAD THE DESTINY OF ASIA’S NEW SUPER TEAM AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI

28 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR - Asia finally has a Pro Continental team with China-registered and Hong Kong-based Champion System Pro Cycling Team. They are considered for a wild card at the Giro d’Italia but for now they’re guaranteed to ride Le Tour de Langkawi with their new status from February 24 to March 4. The recruitment of Malaysian up and coming stars Anuar Manan, previously with Terengganu Pro Asia, and Mohd Adiq Husainie Othman, transferred from Australian outfit Drapac, will make Champion System a very popular team on the road.

“We always love to see Anuar in contention for winning sprints and Adiq is possibly Malaysia’s next big thing in cycling”, commented Le Tour de Langkawi chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal. “Our event will be the first step for them to conquer the world this year.”

“After so many years riding for continental Asian teams, it’s the right time for me to step up and join the Pro Continental level”, said Anuar who rode for Letua, Azad University, Geumsan Ginseng and Terengganu Pro Asia successively. “I’ve opted for Champion System because it’s going to be a very good team and they’ll give me opportunities to race in Europe and in the US as well. I’m attracted by Europe even more than the US because this is only one step for me. I hope it’ll lead me to a Pro Team after one year or two.”

“I’m very proud to be already able to ride at Pro Continental level at the age of only 21”, added Adiq. “I’m happy with that. It’s a great experience. This will be my third time riding LTdL. In my first participation in 2010, I managed to score KOM points and help my team-mate [Peter McDonald] fight for podium and KOM jersey. In 2011, I made some top 10 at stages. I hope I can do better in 2012. With the new team, my motivation is increased.”

Before riding LTdL with stage finishes in their respective home towns of Cukai and Kuala Terengganu, Adiq and Anuar will get to know their new team-mates at a gathering in Hong Kong, the team presentation in Beijing and a training camp in Hainan in January. “I’m more of a road rider now but I’ll ride the points race at the track world cup in Beijing to give a contribution to my country and qualify for the world championship in Melbourne in April”, Adiq said. Both riders from Champion System are also in contention for representing Malaysia at the London Olympics.

“For the coming Le Tour de Langkawi, I don’t want to win only one stage”, said Anuar who became the first Malaysian to do so in Port-Dickson in 2010. “I want to win more than one and get the blue jersey back. I believe that I’ll have the right team around me to achieve that, with riders like Aaron Kemps and Jaan Kirsipuu who have a great experience in leading out sprinters.”

“We will come to LTdL with a lot of ambition”, confirmed directeur sportif Ed Beamon. “It looks to be a very good field, and of course there will be some pressure on us as an Asian team, but I think we’ll be up for the task. Chris Butler will be anxious to test his legs on Genting for sure and we’ll try very hard to get Anuar a stage win (or two). I think we are bringing a pretty fast team with Kirsipuu, Kemps and Manan, but I’d love to see Adiq have a shot from a small group one day. Craig Lewis’ experience will be a big help and I’m hoping he and Adiq will find some quick chemistry and that will really be a good motivator.”

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour. LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (187.2km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (215.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (169.4km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (116.6km).

THE CHAMPION SYSTEM TEAM FOR THE 2012 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

CHRIS BUTLER (USA), AARON KEMPS (AUS), JAAN KIRSIPUU (EST), CRAIG LEWIS (USA), ANUAR MANAN (MAL) and MOHD ADIQ HUSAINIE OTHMAN (MAL)

-Ends -

FOLDING BIKE JAMBOREE AIMS TO GET THE BIG MESSAGE OUT

27 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR: The Folding Bike Jamboree 2012 is set to be held on January 8 (8am-1pm) at the Sepang International Karting Circuit.

The long awaited event is set to give the growing number of folding bicycle enthusiasts not just another meet to look forward to but to also address the need to promote environmentally friendly modes of transport in which each folding bike owner can have a significant role to play.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to help promote the go green message while everyone has fun and even bring home some prizes," said co-organiser Well Tan of Folding Bike Trading Sdn Bhd.

The event will feature fun races such as a 100m race for kids divided into two categories: under-8 years old and 9 to 12 years. Participants will also have a chance to see how fast they can go on their folding bikes in an open race against the clock where they will be timed against the clock in a 100m dash.

"Also there will be a special competition to see who can fold and unfold their bikes the fastest," said Well.

The main events will be eight-lap races around the 1.1km circuit for women, while the men will compete over 10 laps.

The event is supported by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), 100Plus, Folding Bike Trading Sdn Bhd and Bike Tech Subang Sdn Bhd, while in it is done in tandem with Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana) to promote the use of folding bicycles in combination with public trasnport systems like the LRT and KL Monorail to commute, as part of an ongoing go green campaign.

"It will be a fun event, where everybody will stand a chance to go home with something even if they don't win the races. This is because we have prepared some exciting lucky draw prizes which anybody has the chance to win," said Well.

MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad, also chairs the federation's Cycling For All committee, which is also aiming to promote cycling as a way of life and a healthy, economical form of daily transport.

"By gathering as many folding bike enthusiasts in one event, we will be able to not only gain their attention towards the roles we all have to play in promoting environmentally friendly modes of transport," Datuk Naim said.

"For our federation, although we have devoted the bulk of our efforts and resources on developing the competitive side of cycling, projects such as these are also very important to us. In fact, as the body that looks after cycling in the country, the more people we see out on the roads on bicycles, the better for us as it shows that cycling is not just booming as a sport, but also as an activity and a way of life," he added.

Registration for the event is open with more information available on the facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/events/133738740067882/.

For adults, early birds gain a discount on entry fees at RM35 per person if they register before 8pm on January 2. Entries beyond that date and time are charged RM50. For children, entry fees of RM10 will be charged.

-ends

UNITEDHEALTHCARE COUNTS ON FORSTER AGAIN TO WIN SPRINTS AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI

23 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR - The US-registered Pro Continental team UnitedHealthcare will make their second appearance at Le Tour de Langkawi from February 24 to March 4.

The Malaysian event marked their debut in the second division of world cycling and it was a successful one. “We had a strong showing with a stage win and several podiums”, said team manager Mike Tamayo. German sprinter Robert Forster scored the first success for his new outfit after spending eight seasons on the European top level circuit. With Gerolsteiner and Milram, he rode no less than thirteen Grand Tours: eight Giro d’Italia with a stage win in 2007, three Tour de France and two Vuelta a Espana.

“It was one of the highlights of the past edition of Le Tour de Langkawi when Forster won stage 8 in Jasin”, commented the chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal. “A sprinter with prestigious wins under his belt, he showed the young guns Andrea Guardini and Marcel Kittel that he was still one of the fastest cyclists in the world, so we’re delighted to welcome him and his team back. I’m sure that after their first experience in Malaysia, they’ll be even stronger this time around.”

Tamayo confirmed their increased ambitions. “Team UnitedHealthcare is honored and very motivated about the 2012 Le Tour de Langkawi”, he said. “We are aware of the growth of the race and cycling in Malaysia but we plan on bigger success at the 2012 edition of the race.”

They have put a stronger team at the service of Forster with the expertise of the Australian trio of lead out men Karl Menzies and the Clarke brothers who are no strangers to Le Tour de Langkawi after having ridden the race with different teams in the past.

At the 2011 Le Tour de Langkawi, Team UnitedHealthcare got to know the famous Belgian directeur sportif Hendrik Redant who was the radio Tour officer and they hired him for what is his real job, as they intend to improve their presence on the European scene as well.

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour. LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (187.2km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (215.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (169.4km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (116.6km).

THE UNITEDHEALTHCARE TEAM FOR THE 2012 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

ROBERT FORSTER (GER), HILTON CLARKE (AUS), JONATHAN CLARKE (AUS), ADRIAN HEGYVARI (USA), JAKE KEOUGH (USA) and KARL MENZIES (AUS)

-Ends -

VINOKOUROV TO LEAD ASTANA AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI 2012

20 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR - In the final year of his successful career, Alexandre Vinokourov will return to the race where it all started for him fifteen years ago: Le Tour de Langkawi. The Kazakh super star will lead the Astana Pro Team in the Malaysian UCI 2.HC event from February 24 to March 4.

“I’ve always wanted to do this race again but it was never on my team’s calendar or appropriate for my race schedule”, said Vinokourov who took part in the second edition of Le Tour de Langkawi in 1997. A member of the Kazakh national team, he was scouted by Gilles Mas who directed the Casino team in Malaysia and realized his exceptional strength even though he was sick and didn’t deliver results like his team-mate and compatriot Andrey Mizourov who won the inaugural time trial in Kota Kinabalu. It was the only trip up to date of LTdL to East Malaysia on the Borneo island.

After the 1997 Le Tour de Langkawi, Vinokourov joined Mas’ French amateur club EC Saint-Etienne and signed as a neo-pro for Casino. “Le Tour de Langkawi has a special place in my heart and I always knew that it is a very well organised race”, the Kazakh said.

“It’s a great honour for us to welcome Vinokourov back to Malaysia”, commented Le Tour de Langkawi COO Emir Abdul Jalal. “We wish him to come as a rider, team captain and Member of Parliament.” Vinokourov will be running for parliamentary election in Kazakhstan in January. The close political ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia and the organisation of the Asian championship in Kuala Lumpur on February 15 and 17 also favour Astana’s participation to LTdL.

Therefore, their roster will be fully Kazakh and they have planned one week of training on the paradisiacal island of Langkawi in the lead up to LTdL. Vinokourov will be accompanied by the team’s sprinter Assan Bazayev, Alexandre Dyachenko who finished ninth at the 2011 world championship for time trial and might be a favourite for the 20km inaugural stage against the clock in Malaysia’s governmental town of Putrajaya, Dimitriy Gruzdev who wore the best Asian blue jersey for several days at the 2009 LTdL, double Tour of Hainan winner (2010, 2011) Valentin Iglinskiy, and Andrey Zeits who came second at the 2011 Tour of Turkey.

“It’s a really nice team that Astana is sending to Malaysia” Emir Abdul Jalal said. “Their presence as the only Pro Team from Asia gives credit to Le Tour de Langkawi that has been the highest ranked bike race in Asia for many years.” Vinokourov is set to retire from pro racing at the age of 39 after the London Olympics.

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour. LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (187.2km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (215.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (169.4km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (116.6km).

ASTANA FOR THE 2012 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

ALEXANDRE VINOKOUROV, ASSAN BAZAYEV, ALEXANDRE DYACHENKO, DIMITRIY GRUZDEV, VALENTIN IGLINSKIY AND ANDREY ZEITS (ALL FROM KAZAKHSTAN).

SUWAIBAH TAWAN GURUN SAHARA MAC DEPAN

13 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR: Hasrat untuk mencipta nama selaku wanita pertama menawan Gurun Sahara dengan berlari sejauh 1,111 kilometer merentasinya akhirnya akan dapat direalisasikan oleh bekas anggota Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM), Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir, 38, tidak lama lagi.

Misi yang dinamakan 'Sailing the Sand of Sahara' dijangka bermula pada 21 Mac hingga 24 April 2012, iaitu yang akan memakan masa selama 35 hari bermula dari Empangan Mohamed Sedky Sleman, di Aswan dan menamatkan larian di laluan Port Said Rafaj, Mesir. Sebelum ini, Suwaibah telah menetapkan tarikh 11.11.11 untuk melunaskan hasratnya mencipta nama sebagai wanita pertama di dunia menawan Gurun Sahara namun atas sebab-sebab yang tidak dapat dielakkan, hajat itu tertangguh dan akan dilaksanakan pada tahun hadapan.

Bersempena pelancaran Dinar Emas Larian Sahara 2012, Koperasi Anggota Pranita Angkatan Tentera Malaysia Berhad (COPRANITA) selaku penganjur acara itu akan melancarkan dinar emas yang mengandungi tulisan 'Larian Sahara oleh Suwaibah' dan akan disempurnakan oleh bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Turut hadir Pengerusi larian itu, Sheikh Ahmad Dasuki Sheikh Mohamad.

Bukan calang-calang wanita, Suwaibah, 38, anak kelahiran Tanah Merah, Kelantan pernah melakar sejarah sebagai wanita pertama yang berjaya mendaki Menara Kuala Lumpur pada tahun 1998, malah dia merupakan pemegang rekod sebagai wanita terpantas mendaki Batu Caves pada tahun 2000 hingga 2002 yang belum digugat sesiapa sehingga ke hari ini. Bukan itu sahaja, pada tahun 2004, dia membuat larian amal berlari sejauh 2,004 kilometer (km) selama 47 hari mengelilingi Semenanjung Malaysia dan berjaya mengumpul RM2 juta untuk mengisi tabung Majlis Kanser Nasional.

Pemegang Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains Sukan dari Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) itu pernah mewakili negara ke pertandingan mendaki Bangunan Empire States, New York dan meraih tempat ke-12 selain pernah berlari di Itali, Indonesia dan Singapura.

Anak kedua daripada lapan beradik kini sedang sibuk mempersiapkan diri bagi merealisasikan hasratnya menawan Gurun Sahara dengan membuat larian solo sejauh 1,111 kilometer (km) merentas gurun itu dengan bantuan seorang jurulatih Mejar Azan selain mendapat bantuan kemudahan latihan daripada Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) serta pemantauan dari segi kesihatan dan kecergasan daripada Institut Sukan Negara (ISN).

Larian yang dijangka mengambil masa 35 hari itu akan bermula dari Aswan ke Luxor sejauh 179 kilometer, Luxor-Sohag- Assyut (221 kilometer), Assyut-Al-Minya-Giza- Kaherah (318 kilometer) dan Kaherah ke Suez sejauh 125 kilometer. Seterusnya laluan mencabar menanti Suwaibah dari Suez ke Port Said sejauh 146 kilometer sebelum menamatkan misinya di laluan Port Said Rafaj sejauh 122 kilometer.

- TAMAT –

KARAMJIT SINGH IS THE UNDISPUTED CHAMPION

TITLE NO 12 AND YET HE IS NOT ABOUT TO GIVE UP



11 December 2011, JEMPOL - The Flying Sikh wrapped up the fourth and final round of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan today to finish unbeaten over two days of rallying which in the end also gave him the overall crown too.

His two victories in Jempol over the weekend saw him collect a total of 44 points over the four roundsof competition held in Johor Baharu in April; Kangar in July; Malacca in November and then Negeri Sembilan with defending champion Rafiq Udhaya finishing second on a total of 42 points.

Karamjit who drives under the GSR Pennzoil bannercame to Jempol trailing Rafiq by two points and deep inside knows what needed to be done.

Obviously he responded to the occasion and conquered the opening day on Saturday in the 63.5km stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer. And again he was in fiery form yesterday, sweeping past all and sundry in the 46km stage to finish unbeaten again.

All in all Karamjit and his Indian co-driver Viviek Ponnusamy clocked a total time of 1 hr 36min 13.2secs while Rafiq and his partner Sean Gregory in a Subaru Impreza, who finished second on both days, returned a total time of 1hr 42mins 25.5secs.

Third overall is Mike and Manuthi Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria in a time of 1 hr 46 mins 09.5secs.

"It has been a long hard season. I am happy that I have picked up title No 12 but it would not have been possible without the help of my teamates support.

"It was a team effort and I am looking forward to title No 13 next year. I believe I still have a few more years lef t of rallying in me," said the 48-year old Karamjit.

For Rafiq, losing the crown doesn't mean he is a loser either.

"I lost to a better driver. Simple as that. Karamjit is an extraordinary rally driver and to lose to him is no shame at all. Hopefully next year we will try to win the crown again." he added.
And the organiser of the Malaysian Rally, Wheel Sport Management, has annnounced that
the 2012 season will have five rounds instead of the present four, a development which has earned the praise of the competitors.

Five is just ideal. Four is a bit too little is the response from those who are taking part.

-ends.

KARAMJIT IS UNBEATABLE

10 December 2011, JEMPOL - Karamjit Singh and his Mistsubishi Evo was just unstoppable as he charged to victory in the opening day of the fourth and final round of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Jempol on Saturday.

Together his co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy, they completed the 63.5km stretch of the race in a total time of 52min 22.5sec, leaving the defending champion Rafiq Udhaya and his Subaru Impreza trailing in his wake and a good five minutes behind.

Karamjit is looking forward to the overall title and only Rafiq is standing in his way but after the opening round victory, the Flying Sikh, as he is more popularly known, has taken a step closer to the crown.

As things stand before the start of Saturday's race, Rafiq has a total of 30 points while Karamjit has 28 and Karamjit knows that unless he beats the leader, the title won't be in his possession.

"Round one is completed and eveything went well. I got a good five minutes lead going into Sunday's race and I know if I stay out of trouble tomorrow, I am confident I should be able to win the overall title.

"But you never know. The weather is unpredictable and the condition varies. Today was fine but once it rains the scenarios could change. The track becomes soft and slippery and it would put a real strain on the engine," said Karamjit who has won the overall title a total of eleven times so far.

No 12 beckons and Rafiq knows he needs something spectacular on Sunday to keep Karamjit at bay.

"Karamjit drove flat out today and I expected that. He needs to beat me to win the title and if he does so he deserves it because he is such a talented driver," said Rafiq.

Rafiq is lying second on a total time of 57min 24.9secs while Mike Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria is third on a total of 58min 55.2secs.

A total of 25 cars were on the starting grid.

-ends.

AN EXCITING FINALE IN JEMPOL

9 December 2011, JEMPOL - Defending champion Rafiq Udhaya and challenger Karamjit Singh are both headed for a nail biting finish over the weekend as the Malaysian Rally 2011 enters it's decisive race in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan.

As things stand, Rafiq and his Subaru Impreza are the current overall leader on 30 points after three rounds of races, Johor Baru, Kangar and Malacca but 11-time winner Karamjit Singh is lying second on 28, a mere two-point difference as they both square off in the fourth and final round.

The rest of the field gathered in Jempol today, totalling 25 all in all, knows they are not going to be able to catch up with the two leaders, given the gap in the points accumalated so far.

Australia's Cody Crocker, a former Asia Pacific Rally Championship winner could have been in contention with the 16 points he has after his performances in Johor Baru and Kangar in the opening two rounds but sponsorship issue has forced him out of the race in Malacca and he is not coming to Jempol either.

Then there is the Japanese combination of Aji Kim and Noriko Takeshita in their Proton Satria Neo who are lying third alongside the young Malaysian pair of Kenneth Koh and Nicole Gill, on 10 points each.

Count them out too because whatever happens, Aji or Kenneth are not going to overhaul the two pace setters, given that there are only a total of 16 points at stake in Jempol.

So the stage is set for a Rafiq versus Karamjit duel and revenge is certainly on their minds.

Rafiq and his co-driver Sean Gregory in their Subaru Impreza, wants to prove that they can get the better of Karamjit and consolidate their reputation as a worthy overall champion.

Karamjit in his Pennzoil-backed Mitsubishi Lancer on the other hand, wants title No 12 to shore up his reputation as the man to beat in Malaysian rallying.

But the one factor that both man has no control over and which could play an important role in deciding which way the title is headed for, is the weather.

The current wet spell is playing on the minds of both competitors and given the experience they endured last year at the same venue, they know that once the skies open up, things are no longer the same.

"I know the conditions are going to be treacherous once it rains. I remember last year we were caught in some very slippery conditions when it started raining.

"The weather man are predicting rain again this time. So we have to be well prepared. I am excited over the prospect of challenging Karamjit for the title.

"He is a good driver and it's obvious that I have to beat him if I want to retain my title," said Rafiq.

-ends.

TSG TO TARGET STAGE WINS AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI 2012

9 December 2011, KUALA LUMPUR - TERENGGANU Pro-Asia Cycling Team (TSG) is planning their gameplay carefully to ensure their riders who will compete at Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 (LTdL) are ready to meet their target of winning stages and to improve their overall team classification.

With daily schedule packed for training and participation in several national championships, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TSG, Mohd Sophian Abu Bakar said, the management is concentrating on developing the fitness of their riders before the final confirmation in January next year. Among the local tournament the team will compete in December is the National GP in Johor and Kuala Lumpur as well as Pesta Pulau Pinang.

"Upon entering the new year, our riders will enter training camp, we still yet to confirm the location but we won’t rule out the possibility of training in Chiang Mai, Thailand, like last year.“

"What is important now is to ensure that the level of fitness of our riders are in excellent shape before the start of LTdL, from 24 February to 4 March," said Mohd Sophian. According to him, after Hariff Salleh and Anuar Manan missed out several opportunities to win a stage in the 16th edition, TSG hope that it can be fulfilled at LTdL 2012.

Currently, TSG still maintain total 14 riders in the team but did not rule out the possibility of changes to take on new riders when the existing contract ends in December 2011. Mohd Sophian said TSG management also hopes to maintain their four foreign riders, including Japanese veteran, Shinichi Fukushma in the new season.

"It's too early to list the name of the riders as we are due to sign new contracts with the riders when the existing contract ends, but we hope to attract some new local and foreign riders to strengthen the team, especially in the climbs which was still our team’s weakness," he said.

In the 2011 edition, Mat Saufi Mat Senan was the best rider for the team where he ranked 31st overall, only 6 minutes 28 seconds behind yellow jersey winner from Androni team, Jonathan Monsalve. Shahrul Mat Amin placed 37th overall, while in the overall team classification, TSG ranked eighth, clocking in 21 minutes 37 seconds behind overall winner, Tabriz Petrochemical from Iran. With three final stages of the 10 day race finishing in Terengganu, Mohd Sophian hope it provides inspiration for the team to produce encouraging results, especially in front of their home crowd.

LTdL 2012 covers a total distance of 1,410.7 kilometers which will start in Putrajaya, includes finish locations in Cukai in Stage 8 and Kuala Terengganu in Stage 9 and 10. "TSG is not aiming too high, but expects their riders including sprinter, Hariff Salleh who ranked 8th in the points classification in the last edition can make a surprise stage win and improve his overall position.“ he added.

"With only one difficult climb up Genting Highlands next year, TSG will get the opportunity to realize their stage victory in eight other stages. It is too early for us to set the strategy for the race at this time," said Mohd Sophian again.

LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (187.2km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (215.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (169.4km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (116.6km).

LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams including three local teams which are the national team, TSG and LeTua Cycling Team.

-Ends -

GREEN TEAMS READY TO RUMBLE!

8 December 2011, JEMPOL - Going green is catching on these days, judging by the response of team MRU Motorsports who is supporting the private entry of 2wd category RallyCross champion Magendran Arunasalam. Having expressed his interest in team 1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports to the media

when it debuted two cars in the previous round of the MRC, team principal Mohd Rafiq Udhaya wasted no time in making sure the Proton Satria 1.6 driven by Magendran and navigated by renowned grassroots motorsports event manager Mohd. Faizal Tuah was prepared to run on Bio-Ethanol fuel.

Meanwhile, the two original cars which made their debut have been receiving lots of attention outside rallying with invites to car shows and various motorsport events. Driver Gina Finanza who secured a podium placing in her category with her Bio-Diesel Proton Satria GTDi has been offered to be the spokesperson for green motoring by two auto makers and other related manufacturers while Mohd. Shazly Ilias the

team manager of the other car, a Perodua Kelisa RS running on Bio-Ethanol fuel and prepared by students of Institute Kemahiran Belia Negara Termerloh (Motorsports Division) which is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, has been offered to test and co-develop a new generation of high octane Bio-fuel for motorsports use at Eastern Creek Race Circuit in Sydney Australia. Both of them are also are due to receive special acknowledgments by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) for their efforts to take motorsports into the future via this endeavour.

Principal and founder of 1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports, Jagjeet Singh is more than happy that MRU Motorsports has stepped in to support the project which will be officially launched along with other motorsports teams and vehicles in 2012. "Gina, Shazly, Magen and MRU Motorsports have shown that they really care about the future of rallying and motorsports in general here in Malaysia and are good ambassadors who think of Malaysia and Malaysians first" said Jagjeet of the drivers and team. Adding "I really hope the media and potential sponsors who care like we do take some time to talk to them and find out what our long term goals are. Who knows, they might just want to be a part of it as well"

-END-