Jan 30, 2012

YELLOW RIDE 2012 OFFICIALLY STARTS OFF IN MUAR


29 January 2012, MUAR – The first venue of Yellow Ride has officially kicked off in Tanjung Mas, Muar in Johor with a total of over 250 participants. The 16 km ride that took the cyclists around Muar was flagged off by Encik Hanis Musalman Bin Salehan, Assistant District Officer of Muar, Johor.

The 2nd edition of Le Tour de Langkawi’s signature fun ride was lead by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, YB. Dato' Razali Haji Ibrahim, LTdL 2012 Chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal, along with former national cyclists M.Kumaresan and Musairi Musa.

Locals cycling enthusiast including senior citizens and children as young as 10 years old turn up as early at 6:30 am for registration, along with all sorts of bicycles ranging from road bike, mountain bike, fixies and bmx. Participants received Yellow Ride t-shirts, mineral water and Milo water bottle.

M.Kumaresan and Musairi Musa were flocked by fans eager to get their shirts signed by the cycling icons. Lucky draw prizes which includes hand phones and hampers was given out by LTdL 2012 Coo Emir at the end of the ride.

Yellow Ride is a promotional activity of Le Tour de Langkawi to encourage more Malaysians to take up cycling and inform the public that LTdL is just around the corner. Upcoming venues include Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras Kuala Lumpur (4th Feb), Dungun, Terengganu (18th Feb), Dataran Merdeka – Ride with Teams (23rd Feb), Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka (25th Feb), Parit Sulong, Johor (26th Feb), Dataran Cukai, Kemaman Terengganu (2 Mar) and Dataran Shah Bandar, Kuala Terengganu (4th Mar).

Register online now! Log in to LTdL 2012 website http://ltdl.com.my/2012/yellowride.asp

* For more information or sponsorship opportunities on YELLOW RIDE 2012, please contact Mr Zulkarnain Shah at 016 633 2457



-Ends -

MALAYSIA AIRLINES SPONSORS THE WHITE JERSEY



27 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - The organisation of Le Tour de Langkawi, recognised by the International Cycling Union (UCI) with an ‘Excellent Level of Organization’, has led Malaysia’s Leading Airline to continue it’s support for the 17th edition of the race, scheduled to be held from 24 February to 4 March.

Malaysia Airlines Berhad has been a long running corporate partner of the race. This year once again the sponsor for the White jersey of the Best Asian Rider Classification.

First introduced in 1998 the jersey was since worn by Asia’s best, including Hong Kong’s Wong Kam Po (2000, 2001), Indonesian hero Tonton Susanto (1998, 2002, 2009), Iranians Ghader Mizbani (2004, 2007) and Hossein Askari (2006), South Korean Gong Hyo-Suk (2010) and from Japan - the Fukushima brothers Koji (2005) and Shinichi (2008), Hideto Yukinari (1999) and Tomoya Kano (2003).

The 2011 edition saw Iranian rider, Rahim Emami taking the best Asian rider jersey and was also part of the Azad University Cycling squad which won best Asian team. It wasn’t an easy win for him as the team had experienced difficulty in Stage 4 Cameron Highlands with a puncture in the last 10 kilometre and crashed in the downhill, loosing 2-3 minutes of precious time.

In a sponsorship and jersey handover ceremony held at LTdL2012 Secretariat in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Sales Malaysia, Azman Ahmad said, “It is a privilege for Malaysia Airlines to be associated with the Le Tour de Langkawi 2012, an annual cycling tournament that attracts top professionals teams from around the world.”

“Having just won an award as ‘World’s Leading Airline to Asia’, it makes good business sense to be a proud sponsor for the Asian Champion jersey, the overall leading rider among Asian participants at the tournament. I am sure this year’s event will outshine last year’s and we can expect yet another thrilling race that will be a fight to the finish for the first time in Kuala Terengganu.” He added.

In line with the Youth and Sport’s Ministry’s objective to expand the Sports Industry in Malaysia, MAS wishes to take their brand to greater heights with the continuation of their partnership with LTdL 2012.

“We are pleased to be part of this strategic collaboration and partnership with Ministry of Youth and Sports, the organisers of the Le Tour de Langkawi 2012. Sports sponsorship is one of the best branding investments and we aim to leverage on this initiative to position our brand growth presence, against the front- end and corporate air travel market.” Azman Ahmad continued. “This is also our contribution towards the Malaysian Government’s Economic Transformation Programme entry point for the tourism sector that targets more international events to attract tourists and provide a boost to Malaysia’s tourism industry. Our association with reputable sporting events such as this is certain to promote Malaysia as an international destination for sports, business and tourism.”

Also present in the sponsorship ceremony were Director of MSN Sports Management Division Dato’ Hj. Ab Jalil Abdullah and Tuan Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab president of Malaysian National Cycling Federation.

Dato’ Hj Ab Jalil also expressed the organiser’s appreciation towards the support received from Malaysia Airlines as the preferred Airline of the Tour. “On behalf of the Organizing Committe we would like to thank MAS for their contribution to ensure the smooth running of the event, all the participating teams will be able to travel safely to Malaysia, I am sure they will be well taken care of with MAS’s ‘Malaysian Hospitality’.”

Malaysia Airlines has been a consistent participant in Malaysia's sports tourism activities by being the official airline for events such as CIMB Asia Pacific Classic and the recently held Monsoon Cup

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

-Ends -

Jan 24, 2012

A GRAND BOOST FOR TERENGGANU IN THE 17TH EDITION OF LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI






25 January 2012, KUALA TERENGGANU - Long established as the hotbed of Malaysian cycling, the picturesque state of Terengganu continues to innovate when it becomes the first ever venue host sponsor in the 17th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) which will be held from February 24 to March 4.

For the first time ever, the UCI 2.HC status race will break away from tradition, not just with the finish being held outside of Kuala Lumpur for the first time, but also with the State Government of Terengganu providing RM1 million in sponsorship to host the final three stages of the race in their state.

Similar to the concept of Tour de France’s “Grand Départ” where the start of the race is up for bidding each year and has been held in Monaco, London, Dublin, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Though the Tour de France course changes every year, the race has always finished in Paris along the Champs-Élysées.

Terengganu's selection as the host for the final three stages beginning with the finish venue in Chukai for the 100.8-kilometre Stage 8 which starts in Pekan, Pahang on March 2, followed by the start and finish of Stage 9, covering 165.7 kilometres from Kemasik to Kuala Terengganu and the final stage, which also breaks away from the traditional criterium with a start in Tasik Kenyir and the 114.8 kilometre stage sees the peloton circulate for three laps in a circuit around the city centre before the grand finish at Dataran Syahbandar.

The selection of Terengganu as the first ever host venue sponsor is also due recognition to the State for its efforts in being at the forefront of development in the sport, having produced a constant stream of talent including the likes of national track stars Azizulhasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapa, along with a host of road stars like Anuar Manan, Adiq Husainie Othman and Harrif Salleh. The state also sponsors the country's only professional team, the Terengganu Cycling Team, a UCI Continental Team.

Menteri Besar of Terengganu Datuk Seri Ahmad Said in his speech, thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the opportunity given to Terengganu to become one of the major sponsors of the race.

"The organisers have actually given us more than what we had expected initially as in our discussions held in Nilai last year, they'd only promised us one stage, either the grand depart or grand finish. But now the Ministry have taken it a step further by giving us the chance to host what is actually two and a half stages, so it would have been very difficult for us to refuse this offer. So, I really thank the organisers for this opportunity," said Datuk Seri Ahmad.

"I am quite certain that the organisation of these stages will provide a massive impact which will help strengthen the national economy, especially in the areas of Sports Tourism and Sports Industry. These objectives are also the reasons why we are involved in an event of such magnitude."

Also present in the sponsorship announcement ceremony held at Wisma Darul Iman were Director of MSN Sports Management Division Dato’ Hj. Ab Jalil Abdullah and Tuan Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab president of Malaysian National Cycling Federation.

Dato’ Hj Ab Jalil expressed the organiser’s gratitute towards the tremendous contribution by Terengganu for LTdL and the country.

“Most of the country’s best riders are born and groomed here, LTdL will benefit tremendously from this and we are honored by the state’s contribution and all the efforts taken towards the growth of cycling in our country. “ he said.

Datuk Seri Ahmad also announced that in conjunction with Le Tour de Langkawi, Terengganu will also be holding a state-wide Cycling Month and a series of Yellow Rides in the build-up to the race, while the venue for the grand finish, Dataran Syahbandar in Kuala Terengganu, will host a carnival that begins a week before the finish.

"I also hope that with the commitment given by the state, the organisers would also provide the people of Terengganu with the chance to see their homegrown stars in action," said Datuk Seri Ahmad.

He called for the organisers to invite the likes of the Champion System team of China which has two Terengganu-born riders in Anuar Manan and Adiq Husainie Othman and the OCBC Cycling Team of Singapore which has recently hired Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, who is from Kemaman.

"It doesn't matter which team they are riding for, what is important is they are from Terengganu and it would give the people of Terengganu great pride to cheer them on in the race," said Datuk Seri Ahmad.

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

Jan 21, 2012

FIVE FORMER WINNERS ON THE START LINE IN PUTRAJAYA






21 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - For the first time in its 16 year old history, the 2012 Le Tour de Langkawi will feature five former overall winners on the start line in Putrajaya on February 24. Tom Danielson (2003), Fredy Gonzalez (2004), Anthony Charteau (2007), Jose Rujano (2010) and Jonathan Monsalve (2011) will try to double up. Only Paolo Lanfranchi (1999, 2001) managed to win LTdL twice so far.

“What a better recognition to our good job than the stars of the race to come back?”, wondered the chief operating officer of LTdL Emir Abdul Jalal. “The presence of these five winners once again evidences that they have kept a good memory of Malaysia.”

“This race is close to my heart. I made my career there”, commented Danielson who was a mountain biker recently turned into a road rider when he won LTdL at the age of 25. This performance allowed him to build his career with top teams Fassa Bortolo, Discovery Channel and Garmin. For various reasons, he only got a start at the Tour de France last year and finished 9th overall.

Danielson is the only one of this returning quintet to have taken part in LTdL after having won it. He finished 5th in 2005. Gonzalez moved on to teams who didn’t compete in LTdL. Charteau chose different race programs. “At the same time of the year, I was highly requested by my personal fan club in Africa after I’d won the Tour of Gabon”, the Frenchman explained. “When I rode for Spanish team Caisse d’Epargne, I tried to convince the directors to send a team to Malaysia but they couldn’t. I’ve always thought I’d come back and this year seems to be the right time.”

In the meantime, Charteau has become famous for becoming the King of the Mountain at the 2010 Tour de France. It was no surprise that a winner of Le Tour de Langkawi was obviously a great climber. “Our race and our country got a lot of mentions in the media worldwide when Charteau got this polka dot jersey at the Tour de France”, said Emir Abdul Jalal.

The same goes to the 2011 Tour of Italy where Rujano won stage 13 after battling against Alberto Contador in the grueling climbs. The little Venezuelan was remembered by the media as the man who soloed to victory in Genting Highlands the year before. He only didn’t come back to Malaysia last year because of a clash of events in his country but he said he’d take the first opportunity to try and win Le Tour de Langkawi again.

It’ll be interesting to see if Rujano plays his own cards this time around or if he tries to get a back-to-back victory for his fellow compatriot Monsalve who has a great future as a climber as well. The 2012 LTdL promises to be a very interesting one, tactically speaking, with so much winning experience on the start line.

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

-ends-

Jan 19, 2012

YELLOW RIDE IS BACK! ARE YOU READY TO RIDE?



19 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - Le Tour de Langkawi’s signature fun ride is back! Due to the overwhelming turn-out in last year’s campaign, the organisers decided to continue Yellow Ride to encourage more Malaysians to take up cycling and inform the public that Le Tour de Langkawi is just around the corner. The first leg will be held ini Tanjung Mas, Muar in Johor on the 29th January 2012.

This year, former national cyclists M.Kumaresan and Musairi Musa will lead-out all the Yellow Ride participants at all the venues. The national cycling icons expressed that there are so many fans all over Malaysia that enjoy cycling and eager to be a part of Le Tour de Langkawi. Therefore both of them decided that with their fan base and experience, it’s time for them to contribute to Le Tour de Langkawi.

“After so many years competing in LTdL as a rider, we believe that this is a natural step to encourage more Malaysians to take on cycling, a sport that we truly love.” added Musairi.

“This is also a great chance for us to ride with our fans, who supported us throughout our careers. We do hope that they will appreciate our efforts to make cycling a way of life.” M.Kumaresan said.

Yellow Ride is encouraging all Malaysians to register online and enjoy privileges like Yellow Ride apparels, bicycle numbers and Le Tour de Langkawi lanyard. With only RM35.00, fans will also be eligable to win prizes through the lucky draw that will be held after each ride.

For the very first time on the 23rd February 2012, an exclusive Big Ride will be held at Dataran Merdeka as part of Le Tour de Langkawi Team Presentation ceremony. Cycling fans will have the opportunity to ride together with all participating teams of the 17th edition in Kuala Lumpur with full escort of the official Tour convoy.

“This will be our first time bringing the Team Presentation directly to the public, we invite all cycling fans and of course fans of the Teams to join in on this historic day, even if you don’t have a bike, it’s still a wonderful experience being able to mingle with the riders. As the race won’t be finishing in Kuala Lumpur this year, we feel that Dataran Merdeka is the best place to start off the event. So only one question remains… are you all ready?” said LTdL 2012 chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal.

Register online now! Log in to LTdL 2012 website http://ltdl.com.my/2012/yellowride.asp

YELLOW RIDE 2012 SCHEDULE :

29 January 2012 (Sunday) – JOHOR - Tanjung Mas, Muar (Registration starts at 7am)

4 February 2012 (Saturday) – KUALA LUMPUR – Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras (Registration starts at 7am)

18 February 2012 (Saturday) – TERENGGANU – Dungun (Registration starts at 7am)

23 February 2012 (Friday) – RIDE WITH TEAMS AT THE OFFICIAL LTdL TEAM PRESENTATION – KUALA LUMPUR, Muzium Negara to Dataran Merdeka (Registration starts at 9am)

25 February 2012 (Saturday) – MELAKA- Dataran Pahlawan ((Registration starts at 9am)

26 February 2012 (Sunday) – JOHOR – Parit Sulong (Registration starts at 9am)

2 March 2012 (Friday) – TERENGGANU – Dataran Chukai, Kemaman (Registration starts at 8am)

4 March 2012 (Sunday) – KUALA TERENGGANU – Dataran Shah Bandar (Registration starts at 8am)

* For more information or sponsorship opportunities on YELLOW RIDE 2012, please contact Mr Zulkarnain Shah at 016 633 2457

-Ends -

Jan 18, 2012

GENTING TO BE THE BATTLEGROUND OF THE CLIMBERS






18 January 2012, PUTRAJAYA - Genting Highlands is often associated with fun and excitement, and its cool temperature offers an ideal getaway from the tropical heat.

For cyclists, it is the much awaited stage for the riders competing in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as it is the deciding factor in the race for the overall victory and the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification. Graded as a Hors category climb in the mountains classification and can be considered the "Queen Stage" of the annual race.

For the 17th edition of LTdL, which begins from February 24 and ends on March 4, Genting Malaysia Berhad once again continues its sponsorship with a contribution worth RM 800,000 in cash and kind, in order to ensure the success of the biggest race in Asia.

Genting Malaysia Berhad has been a corporate partner of the race since its inception in 1996. This year continuing to be the sponsor for the red jersey for the King of the Mountain classification, which is the much sought after piece of attire among climbers.

Genting Malaysia Berhad Deputy Chairman Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar today presents the sponsorship to YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister of Malaysia at the Maritime Centre, Precinct 5 at Putrajaya.

“Genting Malaysia has been a ‘traditional sponsor’ for Le Tour de Langkawi, consistently for the past 17 years. We have seen this local event grow till it has gained recognition at the international arena. This year, once again we are proud to continue our support to Le Tour de Langkawi”, said Tun Hanif in his speech.

"Genting Malaysia is proud to work together with the organisers of Le Tour de Langkawi to further promote Genting Highlands as one of the leading holiday destinations in the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek thanked Genting Malaysia Berhad for continuing their support since the very beginning, he also stated that Genting Highlands has been dubbed the ‘world toughest climb’ due to it’s gradient of climb.

The climb up Genting Highlands is very popular among riders who compete in LTdL every year. Besides its steep and long climbs, those who are not well prepared will have problems arriving at the finish line which is 1,400 metres above sea level.

Last year saw young Venezuelan rider Jonathan Monsalve emerge victorious at the summit of Genting Highlands and eventually securing him the coveted overall title and the KOM jersey at the end of the race, Monsalve battled wind and rain up to the finish with 42 year old Libardo Nino Corredor (Le Tua) who could only settle for second place on that crucial day.

The 2012 edition has lined up great climbers to take on the ultimate ‘Queen Stage’ of LTdL.

Tom Danielson of Garmin-Barracuda – the overall winner of LTdL 2003 with Team Saturn then returns for a showdown. Tom took over the leader’s jersey after an unlucky crash suffered by teammate and overnight leader Nathan O'Neill at the finish of stage 7 in Bentong causing him to loose valuable time.

Danielson ranked 9th overall in Tour de France last year will be the one to watch. But he will face a tough challenge from the past two winners of the Genting stage. Jose Rujano and Jonathan Monsalve are now united inside the Androni Giocattoli team. The combination of the talent of the Venezuelans from two generations might make it hard for other riders to hold their pace.

A huge attraction of the Genting stage will be the return of the overall winner of LTdL 2007 Anthony Charteau, now with Europcar. He might have surprised a few by his climbing abilities that year but in the meantime, he has put his mark on the map of world cycling as he became the King of the Mountains in the 2010 Tour de France.

It’ll also be interesting to see what Freddy Gonzalez can deliver at the age of 37. The new Colombian recruit of Iranian team Azad University came along with the two younger brothers of Libardo Nino, Miguel and Victor. In the battle of the old warriors, Kazakh superstar Alexandre Vinokourov, 39, from Astana, and Ghader Mizbani, 37, from Tabriz, haven’t said their last word yet.

“This year’s start list features so many good and prestigious climbers that we might have the best stage up to Genting Highlands ever contested”, previewed the chief operating officer of Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal.

Previous winners of the LTdL Genting Highlands stage:

1996: Damian McDonald (Aus/Giant Australia)
1997: Luca Scinto (Ita/MG-Technogym)
1998: Giuliano Figueras (Ita/Mapei)
1999: Marcus Ljunqvist (Swe/Cantina Tollo)
2000: Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Mex/Panaria)
2001: Paolo Lanfranchi (Ita/Mapei)
2002: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2003: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2004: Ruber Marin (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2005: Ryan Cox (RSA/Barloworld)
2006: José Serpa (Col/Selle Italia-Diquigiovanni)
2007: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2009: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2010: José Rujano (Ven/ ISD Neri)
2011: Jonathan Monsalve (Ven/ Androni Giocattoli)

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

-Ends -

Jan 16, 2012

RUJANO AND MONSALVE BACK IN ACTION AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI 2012






16 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - The last two winners of Le Tour de Langkawi will be back in action when the race will be on again at Putrajaya on February 24. Venezuelans José Rujano, who won LTdL in 2010 for ISD, and defending champion Yonnatta Monsalve will be united under the banner of Androni Giocattoli.

Their legendary team manager Gianni Savio will direct his boys for the twelfth time in Malaysia, a country where he enjoyed a lot of successes since his first visit back in 2000. Australia’s Jamie Drew was the first of his riders to impose himself at the end of stage 2 at Batu Ferringhi (Penang) that year.

“I’ve completely fallen in love with Malaysia and I was sad when the cycling calendar didn’t permit us to compete in Le Tour de Langkawi in 2010”, said Savio who is known for his strong ties with South America. He brought the first Colombian winner Hernan Dario Munoz in 2002 but his roster is now composed of a few Venezuelans, such as Rujano and Monsalve.

“Le Tour de Langkawi will be their first race of the year”, Savio explained. “If Rujano has the condition we expect, he’ll be our captain. The inaugural time trial shouldn’t be a problem for him. He’s got a good history with time trialling in Malaysia.” In fact, the pocket climber proved to be efficient against the clock when he finished third in the 20-km stage in Bachok won by Australian specialist Nathan O’Neill in 2005.

“The Genting stage will be our main goal once again”, Savio continued. “But the main difficulty of Le Tour de Langkawi is to control the race in the last four stages. As always, we’ll honor the race as much as we can but it won’t be an easy one to win this year. We’ll face a very strong competition.”

Rujano and Monsalve will be helped by their compatriots Carlos Ochoa and Jackson Rodriguez who are scheduled to warm up for LTdL by riding the Tour of San Luis in Argentina at the end of January. Super domestique Alessandro De Marchi will resume his duty after playing a precious role in Monsalve’s victory last year. “Monsalve had an injury after Le Tour de Langkawi last year, that’s why it was his only victory of the year, but he returned and produced a strong showing at the late season Italian races”, Savio emphasized.

Androni Giocattoli’s sixth man in Malaysia will be the young and promising sprinter Omar Bertazzo from Italy. “We’ve always liked this team and we’re happy to learn that they have just been awarded a wild card for the 2012 Giro d’Italia as well”, commented Le Tour de Langkawi chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal.

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).

THE ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI TEAM FOR THE 2012 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

JOSÉ RUJANO, JONATHAN MONSALVE, CARLOS OCHOA, JACKSON RODRIGUEZ (ALL FROM VENEZUELA), OMAR BERTAZZO AND ALESSANDRO DE MARCHI (BOTH ITALIANS)

-Ends -

FOUR COMPANIES ADD COLORS TO LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI 2012 CAVALCADE


12 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR – With the prestigious 2HC status, Le Tour de Langkawi always receives positive response from sponsors and the media to ensure the continuation of the organization of this successful world-class event hosted by Malaysia.

At the 17th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2012 which will be held from 24 February to 4 March, the organizer announced today to have received sponsorship from four local companies. The four companies are Pearl Ray Sdn Bhd, Orang Kampung Corporation Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Building Society Berhad (MBSB) and NexEdge Technology Sdn Bhd, which sponsored in cash and in-kind.

At the sponsorship handover ceremony held at LTdL2012 secretariat in Bukit Jalil, Pearl Ray Sdn Bhd was represented by chief executive officer Mr Alwin Teo, Nexedge Technology (M) Sdn Bhd was represented by Executive Director, Mr. Mohamed Nizam Sapie while MBSB was represented by Mr Iskandar Fadzillah. The sponsorship was received by the LTdL 2012 Chief Operating Officer Emir Abdul Jalal, and witnessed by the Director General of National Sports Council Dato’ Zolkples Embong and Director of MSN Sports Management Division Dato’ Hj. Ab Jalil Abdullah.

At today's event, Emir expressed the organizer appreciates and is honored to receive sponsorship from the four companies who want to work together to realize LTdL 2012 which is expected to attract millions of cycling fans locally and internationally.

"We know the organization of Le Tour de Langkawi constantly attracts attention and receives wide media coverage. And with this sponsorship it will certainly assist to ensure the smooth running of this year's race," he said.

Pearl Ray Sdn Bhd, a sole distributor of personal FMCG and hair care products of China's highly celebrated ‘BAWANG’ shampoo, contributed in cash, 20,000 packets of BAWANG shampoo product, 120 T-shirts for the LTdL 2012 secretariat and joins LTdL 2012 cavalcade to promote their products.

Orang Kampung Corporation Sdn Bhd, which is involved in the production and marketing of health products and herbal-based drinks sponsored their selected products comprising of 10,000 units of Chantek Juice and 10,000 units of 3G juice products.

Apart from the two companies, Malaysian Building Society Berhad (MBSB), an Exempt Finance Company has evolved in its role from being the first property financier to a financial provider joined the LTdL2012 cavalcade entourage with cash sponsorship.

In a stage race such as Le Tour de Langkawi, radio telecommunication plays a vital to communicate to each other within the race. For this purpose, NexEdge Technology Sdn Bhd, an official Digital Radio Communications distributor will sponsor Radio Telecommunication equipment to the Secretariat and cavalcade.

The total convoy for LTdL 2012 cavalcade will comprise of 39 cars decorated with sponsors’ logos and colors, the convoy will depart 1 hour prior to the start of the race, a variety of souvenirs for the fans will be distributed along the route of the race.

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 (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).


For more information of the companies mentioned, please visit their website:

Pearl Ray Sdn Bhd - http://www.pearlray.com.my/

Orang Kampung Corporation Sdn Bhd - http://www.orangkampung.com/

Malaysian Building Society Berhad (MBSB) - http://www.mbsb.com.my/

NexEdge Technology Sdn Bhd - http://www.nexedge.com.my/



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Jan 10, 2012

RUSVELO TO WRITE THE FIRST CHAPTER OF A NEW HISTORY AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI


10 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - An interesting attraction of the 2012 Le Tour de Langkawi will be the first participation of the newly born Pro Continental Russian team RusVelo. Despite their lack of history, they are likely to kick off with the label of hot favourite for the inaugural stage, which will consists in a 20km individual time trial in Putrajaya, the home of Malaysian government, on February 4. Former Russian national champion for time trial Artem Ovechkin will be a man to watch.

“RusVelo reminds us of Tinkoff”, noted Le Tour de Langkawi chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal. “This newly formed Russian team had their first race in Malaysian in 2007. They won their first race with Pavel Brutt in Seremban – this remains as one of the best stages ever contested at Le Tour de Langkawi. They carried on with enjoying great success at the Tour of Italy and they became the famous Katusha team later on. That’s what we like: raising talents in our beautiful and hospitable country.”

RusVelo’s team manager Heiko Salzwedel knows very well what this is all about. He was a pioneer of Le Tour de Langkawi as he brought from Australia the first winning team, Giant-AIS, back in 1996. “I have great memories about this race”, explained the famous German coach. “In 1996 and 1997 I was the sport’s director of a small Australian squad. We were a new, young team and our riders Damian McDonald won in 1996 and Jens Voigt finished 2nd overall in 1997. I hope we can have a similar impact this year with RusVelo and show that we are a strong and hungry team.”

“RusVelo is a new Professional Continental team from Russia consisting of exclusively Russian riders”, Salzwedel continued. “Our main goals for 2012 are the Olympic Games and the World Team Time Trial Championships. To achieve good results at these events we have gathered a homogenous mix of experienced riders and young athletes that have great potential. On the team management side we hired an international group of experts consisting amongst others of Viatcheslav Ekimov, Victor Popov, Henk Vogels and Egon van Kessel. Together, I truly believe that we can achieve amazing things in the future.”

Salzwedel made no mystery about his ambitions for a flying start. “Le Tour de Langkawi is very important to us and I believe we have a pretty strong team at the starting line”, he stated.” Artem (Ovechkin) can score a good result for us in the ITT while Sergey (Klimov) has the potential to do well in the GC. A stage win so early in the season would be great for us and boost the moral for the rest of the year.”

RusVelo’s sport’s director for Le Tour de Langkawi will be the former pro Henk Vogels who was one of Salzwedel’s first pupils in Australia. He rode LTdL on several occasions with French outfit Credit Agricole. “He can share valuable experiences especially with our young riders”, Salzwedel concluded.

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).

RUSVELO FOR THE 2012 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

ALEXANDER KHATUNTSEV, SERGEI KLIMOV, ARTEM OVECHKIN, VALERY VALYNIN, IVAN SAVITSKY, MATVEY ZUBOV (ALL RUSSIANS)

Jan 9, 2012

FOLDING BIKES MOVE FORWARD WITH FIRST JAMBOREE OF THE YEAR





9 January 2012, SEPANG: Former national cyclist turned businessman Sayuti Zahit edged Arus Cycling Team's Shawal Shaffee to bag victory in the Folding Bike Jamboree 2012 men's open final at the Sepang International Go-Kart Circuit on Sunday.

Sayuti, 26, pipped Shawal in a nail-biting finish to end a dramatic race, which saw the country's first ever folding bike race winner Azhar Zulaily crash after three laps of the final to finish fourth, behind Azrul Hafidz Awang, elder brother of national track cycling star Azizulhasni.

Shawal had earlier set a new record inthe 100m folding bike sprint when he clocked 9.609 seconds.

In the women's section, Ch'ng Kai Nee surprised everyone by coming decked in jeans and a shirt to sweep both the 100m sprint in a time of 13.426s and the women's open final race. In the six lap final, Kai Nee finished three seconds ahead of second placed Teo Tze Ping. Zoe Kee was another 31 seconds adrift.

The event, held in conjunction with a go-green campaign promoted by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana) was the first in a string of events planned for folding bike enthusiasts this year, as the campaign to encourage the public to turn to folding bikes as an economical and environmentally friendly mode of transport, which is easily combined with the use of public transportation such as the LRT and KL Monorail provided in the Klang Valley by Prasarana.

Organiser Well Tan said the number of participants in the event has doubled, showing the growth in both interest and use of folding bikes among the masses.

"The first ever event which was the Folding Bike Fun Ride we organised at the Speedway PLUS Circuit in Subang Jaya, attracted about 46 entries. This time around the participants have doubled. This shows that people are definitely getting the message and taking to folding bikes," said Well.

The event was supported by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), with chief executive officer Dato' Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali stating the circuit's willingness to support such moves and provide the venue for future events of such nature.

"It seems like a good thing and we will definitely support such efforts. We also want to look into how we can see it grow, as we're also regularly hosting a number of cycling events at the SIC," said Dato' Ahmad Razlan.

The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) and Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (KLCA) provided the technical support for the event and both stated their eagerness to see more events for folding bike enthusiasts being held and promoted throughout the Klang Valley.

KLCA secretary Firdaus Arshad said the association is now willing to look into assisting go-green campaigns to promote the use of folding bikes and bicycles in general as healthier and greener modes of transport in the city.

"Firstly, we would like to see how we can incorporate folding bikes into our regular cycling events so as to give the enthusiasts more exposure and for the public to become more aware of the benefits of it," said Firdaus.

"We would also like to meet with those involved to see what sort of events and campaigns to raise awareness which the KLCA can be part of. We should bring these events to the middle of the city so that the public get to have a closer look. There's a lot more we can do."


RESULTS

Kids < 8 yrs old -- Nicholas Yong
Kids < 12 yrs old -- Joshua Yong

100m Sprint Men -- Mohd Shawal Bin Mohd Shaffe -- 9"609s
100m Sprint Women -- Ch'ng Kai Nie -- 13"426s

Men – 6 laps

Champion -- Mohd Sayuti Bin Zahit --11'01"180s
1st Runner-up -- Mohd Shawal Bin Mohd Shaffe -- 11'01"783
2nd Runner-up -- Mohd Azrul Bin Hafidz -- 12'05"160

Women - 6 laps

Champion -- Ch'ng Kai Nie -- 15'26"836
1st Runner-up -- Teo Tze Ping -- 15'29"048
2nd Runner-up -- Zoe Kee -- 16'02"785

Jan 6, 2012

AISAN IN A WINNING MOOD DESPITE INJURY-PLAGUED ROSTER




6 January 2012, KUALA LUMPUR - In two participations to Le Tour de Langkawi, Japanese team Aisan Racing has made history on the Asia Tour by scoring back-to-back stage victories. Stage 4 winner in 2010 Taiji Nishitani will be in action again from February 24 to March 4 but his team-mate Takeaki Ayabe who struck the world of cycling by beating European and South American climbers at the top of the Cameron Highlands last year will give the Malaysian event a miss this time around as he broke a knee at the end of the 2011 season.

“We’ll miss him”, explained Nishitani, “but we’ll come back with the same team and staff that enjoyed success in the past two years and we hope to win a stage once again.” At the age of 31, Nishitani has been a regular scorer on the Asia Tour since he joined Aisan in 2006. Among the nineteen UCI victories he’s got under his belt, he was the 2009 Japanese national champion. But he retains his stage win at the 2010 Le Tour de Langkawi as a very special one. “That day, our team work was perfect”, he said as he remembered the lead out he got at the end from Kazuhiro Mori. It allowed him to beat Australian star in the making Michael Matthews and Spanish experienced sprinter Vidal Celis in Parit Sulong.

“In the early years of Le Tour de Langkawi, it was seen as something exceptional when an Asian rider won a stage”, chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal commented. “Hong Kong’s Wang Kam Po was the first rider to do in 2000. But now everyone knows that Asians can perform as well. With riders like Nishitani and a team like Aisan, we’re never disappointed. Japanese cyclists always produce a great show.” Malaysian fans always remember the systematic attacks from the gun by Koji Fukushima whose elder brother Shinichi will participate to LTdL once again this year with Malaysian continental team Terengganu.

The Aisan Racing team has also secured a start at the Tour of Oman preceding Le Tour de Langkawi. Some of their riders have already resumed racing with the Jayco Bay Crits in Australia. Nishitani was one of them. “I needed speed in my legs before taking part in the track world cup in Beijing in mid-January”, he said. “We need to score points for Japan to qualify more riders for the Olympics. By the end of February, I’m confident that my form will be impeccable and I should come to the sprints in Malaysia with a good speed in the legs after this block of specific training.”

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).



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