20 TEAMS FROM ALL CONTINENTS FOR THE 22ND LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI

Best of Asian riders against the world.

The race will finish at Putrajaya on the 1st March 2017

SHAH ALAM, 31 January 2017 : All continents will be represented at the 22nd Le Tour de Langkawi to be held from February 22 to March 1st from Kuala Terengganu on the east coast of the peninsula to Putrajaya, the home of the Malaysian government.
“With the extension of the WorldTour to 37 events, we’ve faced new challenges in our process of inviting teams but we’re glad to announce that once again, the whole world will be looking at Malaysia during our event”, LTdL chief executive officer Emir Abdul Jalal declared.

Defending champions Team Dimension Data will maintain the WorldTour standard on Malaysian roads and represent Africa. Grand Tour wild cards teams Bardiani CSF and Willier Triestina will save the European flavor LTdL has had since its inception in 1996.

“Italy has been the most successful country with 75 stage victories up to date, ahead of Australia with 26”, Emir counted. “So we’ve accommodated all four Italian teams who wanted to come, as well as IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness for the first time. Their motivation to compete in LTdL is enormous and there’s always a place here for Australia.”

Both North and South America will be represented with returning Unitedhealthcare Professional Cycling Team while Manzana Postobon Team from Colombia will make their debut. “This is the former team of Nairo Quintana and Esteban Chaves and the former sponsor of the pioneers of Colombian cycling in the 80s”, Emir said. “We’re delighted to have them as Le Tour de Langkawi always has a large number of followers in Colombia through social media and TV networks.”

Asia will have the largest contingent with 12 teams on the start list, which is one more than last year. “We don’t forget our roots”, Emir insisted. “Le Tour de Langkawi is Asia’s premier bicycle race. It’s the oldest UCI H.C. stage race on this continent. With all the requests we received, we could have filled up the start list with European teams only but we believe it’s our duty to give priority to the Asian cyclists. For them, it’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge the teams from the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.”

All Asian countries with a solid cycling culture will make their way to Kuala Terengganu for the teams presentation on February 21st alongside three Malaysian teams like in the past two years. Cyclists from China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Kazakhstan are expected to line up.

“This year’s novelty is the emphasis on our neighbor country Thailand where cycling is booming as well”, Emir concluded. “For the first time they have a UCI-registered team with Thailand Continental Cycling Team and Singapore’s Infinite AIS has a strong base in Thailand too. With their addition, the Asian teams competition will be contested by more teams than ever. It should make the race even more intense than usual. In overall, we have a well balanced field that gives a chance to shine to cyclists from very different horizons.”

THE 20 TEAMS FOR THE 2017 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

Team Dimension Data (RSA)

Androni Giocattoli (ITA)

Willier Triestina (ITA)

Unitedhealthcare Professional Cycling Team (USA)

Bardiani CSF (ITA)

Manzana Postobon Team (COL)

Nippo-Vini Fantini (ITA)

IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness (AUS)

Vino-Astana Motors (KAZ)

Terengganu Cycling Team (MAS)

Aisan Racing Team (JAP)

KSPO Bianchi Asia Pro Cycling (KOR)

Giant Cycling Team (CHN)

7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines (PHI)

Thailand Continental Cycling Team (THA)

Infinite AIS Cycling Team (SIN)

KFC Cycling Team (INA)

Keyi Look Cycling Team (CHN)

Team Sapura Cycling (MAS)

Malaysia (MAS)

Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia and managed by Ciclista Sports Sdn Bhd, the 22nd edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from 22 February to 1 March, 2017 is set to cover more than 1,200km over 8 stages, the UCI 2.HC (hors category) race featuring again as one of the biggest events on the UCI Asia Tour calendar.

A NEW HISTORY TO BE WRITTEN ON TEAL JERSEY

LTdL 2017 Head of Sponsorship and Marketing Sarah Yasmin Khairuddin, LTdL 2017 CEO Emir Abdul Jalal, BSN Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Support), Ahmad Latfan Mohd Amran and BSN Senior Vice President (Head Strategic Communications) Puspa Marina Dato’ Hj Omar presents the Teal Sprint Champion Jersey and BSN Sponsorship.

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 January 2017 : Fans attending the post-stages podium ceremonies of Le Tour de Langkawi will continue to cheer for the international race and their favourite cyclists from February 22 to March 1st.  Partnering with BSN as one of the main sponsors, Teal remains the colour of speed – the Sprint Champion Jersey,  one of the 4 jerseys up for grab throughout the race. 

“We are delighted to have BSN on board again. Their teal colour is now synonymous with speed at LTdL. It signifies passion, commitment and agility; the vital traits of a sprinter.  Further, it is one of the colours of the points classification leader jersey at LTdL.”, said the CEO of Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal.

BSN Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Support), Ahmad Latfan Mohd Amran said, BSN is of the main sponsors; sponsoring the Sprint Champion Jersey and also the Prize Money Presenter for the competition routes covering 8 stages which involves 5 states and 1 Federal Territory.

“This is our second year partnering with LTDL as one of the main sponsors. Last year, our new corporate colour Teal was introduced as one of the 4 jerseys for grab at all stages. Teal the colour of speed is significantly relevant to not just BSN but also LTDL as it represents agility and the need for speed in order to win.  At the same time, I believe the colour is also different yet vibrant and would make a nice jersey collection to be won among the sprinters. Additionally, as the colour connotes agility, it indicates LtDL still stand tall as one of the favourite international sporting events in Malaysia even after 20 years. ”.

Ahmad Latfan added, “LTdL is an effective platform to reaffirm BSN’s brand positioning as  an organization that provides financial services within easy reach.  The race that goes to 8 stages allows us to have our presence and reach out to our customers directly at states.  It gives us the opportunity to have meaningful engagement activities and effective channel to not only get closer to our customers but also to continue sharing our range of products and services, so that a better life is within their reach”.

Last year, Italy’s Andrea Guardini became the first Teal Sprint rider to win the points competition three times [after 2011 and 2012]. Unfortunately, he would not be defending his title this time around after transferring from Astana to the UAE Abu Dhabi squad. His record number of 22 stage victories will remain out of reach for a few years but Le Tour de Langkawi will not remain short in talented sprinters and the 2017 route certainly appeals to them again.

Malaysia’s Anuar Manan is the only Asian to have won the points competition since the inception of the race in 1996. He might as well be the only previous winner to line up this time around. “We’re yet to receive the entry forms of some the teams but we can already foresee a fierce battle between Italian and Australian sprinters”, the CEO of the 2017 Le Tour de Langkawi Emir Abdul Jalal predicted.

Stage winners in 2016, Andrea Palini and Jakub Mareczko will be in action again while Australian outfit IsoWhey Sport Swisswellness had a second thought and decided to opt for former keirin Scott Sunderland to challenge the riders from the WorldTour and Pro Continental ranks.

“Every day, there are points up for grabs, three times at intermediate sprints and once on the finishing line”, Emir explained. “Riders are welcome to score points in a solo effort or to contest them in a small group of frontrunners. Le Tour de Langkawi is known as a sprinters’ affair but the points competition is open to all kinds of riders. “

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE POINTS CLASSIFICATION AT LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

1996: Jay Sweet (AUS)

1997: Nicola Loda (ITA)

1998: Fred Rodriguez (USA)

1999: Graeme Miller (N.Z.) 

2000: Gordon Fraser (CAN)

2001: Paolo Bettini (ITA)

2002: Robert Hunter (RSA)

2003: Graeme Brown (AUS)

2004: Gordon Fraser (CAN)

2005: Graeme Brown (AUS)

2006: Steffen Radochla (GER)

2007: Alberto Loddo (ITA)

2008: Aurélien Clerc (SUI)

2009: Mattia Gavazzi (ITA)

2010: Anuar Manan (MAS)

2011: Andrea Guardini (ITA)

2012: Andrea Guardini (ITA)

2013: Francesco Chicchi (ITA)

2014: Aidis Kruopis (LIT)

2015: Caleb Ewan (AUS)

2016: Andrea Guardini (ITA)

Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia and managed by Ciclista Sports Sdn Bhd, the 22nd edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from 22 February to 1 March, 2017 is set to cover more than 1,200km over 8 stages, the UCI 2.HC (hors category) race featuring again as one of the biggest events on the UCI Asia Tour calendar.

PULAU INDAH 180 TOP 5 RESULTS

For full results, go to http://www.checkpointspot.asia/default.aspx

34 TEAMS THRONG PULAU INDAH 180

Winners of the Junior Master Category

Winners of the Master Category

Winners of the Men Open Category

Winners of the Women Open Category

YAB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Menteri Besar Selangor  at the start line.   

Winners of the Team Event Category

PULAU INDAH, 15 JAN 2017 :  Over 1,000 amateur cyclists from all walks of life converged in Pulau Indah for the first 180 kilometre cycling event of 2017 in conjunction with the upcoming Le Tour de Langkawi, scheduled to be held from 22 February to 1 March 2017.

The second edition of the race saw an introduction of the team event category with an initial allocation of 30 spots, but due to the overwhelming response, organizer Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd (CSSB) welcomed a total of 34 teams with 10 cyclists each.

The event was attended by YAB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Menteri Besar Selangor and saw him joining other cyclists during the flag off.

The route starts from CSSB’s Office, Pulau Indah, taking riders through Selangor Halal Hub, Pulau Indah Industrial Park and into the Pulau Indah Highway to Banting, Jenjarom and across to Olak Lempit, Sepang, Sungai Pelek, Bagan Lalang Tg. Sepat and Morib then returning to Banting towards Teluk Panglima Garang, Jalan Pandamaran and back to the island crossing Pulau Indah Highway and finishing at CSSB’s Office, Pulau Indah, covering a total distance of 180km.

 There were five categories in contention with a total prize money of RM 40,000 up for grabs; Men Open (18 – 35 years), Women Open (above 18), Junior Master (35 – 44 years), Master (45 and above) and the new Team Event categories. The event managed to attract local amateur cyclists as well as international participation from 17 countries.

Chief Executive Officer of Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd Mahmud Abbas, said that one of the key aims of this event is to promote Pulau Indah as a destination.  Pulau Indah has the potential to become a place where one can live, work and play.  The island is not only known for its industrial highlights such as Westports and big manufacturing companies such as F&N and Massimo Bread, but it also has a residential and commercial component to it. Pulau Indah is also known to be a very good fishing location and famous among fishing enthusiasts.

 The CEO wants to see Pulau Indah 180 (PI180) attracting more foreign participation in its coming series.  As he said it "Every time I do a promotional trip abroad, I would without fail promote Pulau Indah 180 as part of our product".  This is to build the branding of PI180 which saw tremendous spillover effect for the island.  Local business owners and operators sees brisk business during the event. Local homestays and nearby hotels are full in anticipation of the event, while restaurants and shops selling local produce are busy with customers. This makes Pulau Indah 180 something to look forward to every year for islanders.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of LTdL 2017 Emir Abdul Jalal said the introduction of the team event category is to enable cyclists to get experience riding as a group, “Today we get to witness the competitiveness of the teams while they battle for the top spot. I do hope all cyclists enjoyed the ride and congratulations to all the winners, also to all the finishers; just to complete the 180 kilometres is not an easy task so I salute you all.”

“Pulau Indah 180 is a pre-event promotional ride and also serves as a test run to make sure all our system run smoothly in preparation for Le Tour de Langkawi, coming this February. Our team made sure the organization of Pulau Indah 180 is run according to an international standard in compliance with UCI regulations; featuring professional race facilities that include race communication, commissaires and team cars.” Emir added.

Pulau Indah 180 is managed by Ciclista Sports Sdn Bhd, and supported by Majlis Perbandaran Klang. PKFZ, Selangor Tourism, Ramly, CSM, Garmin, Cycling Malaysia, RockTape, TireCare, FFM, 100PLUS, GURU, N8 Sport Nutrition and SUNPLAY.

IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness Ready For Debut At Le Tour De Langkawi After Strong Showing At National Championships

IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness riders on their training ride.

Joe Cooper celebrates at the New Zealand National Championships. (photo by Duncan Brown)

SHAH ALAM, 13 January 2017 : Newly crowned New Zealand champion Joe Cooper is set to headline the IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness team at Le Tour de Langkawi from February 22 to March 1^st along with Cameron Bayly who came fourth behind three WorldTour riders (Miles Scotson of BMC, Simon Gerrans of Orica-Scott and Nathan Haas of Dimension Data) at the Australian championship held last Sunday in Ballarat, Victoria. On both races, the Australian outfit formerly known as Praties and Avanti showed its high standard.

“We don’t normally invite continental teams from outside Asia as we prioritize Asian teams in that category”, Le Tour de Langkawi CEO Emir Abdul Jalal explained. “But we have decided to make an exception for IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness because they are very competitive. The weekend’s results are just a confirmation of what we already knew of them. Richie Porte, one of the world’s best cyclists these days [5^th in the 2016 Tour de France with BMC], was part of that team when as a young rider he finished tenth overall in the 2009 Le Tour de Langkawi with the Australian national team.”

Haas, Will Clarke, Patrick Bevin, Jack Haig, Nathan Earle, Steele von Hoff, Campbell Flakemore and more recently Chris Hamilton (Sunweb-Giant) and Ben O’Connor who will ride the 2017 LTdL with Dimension Data have all moved on to employment in the WorldTour ranks after being nurtured by coach Andrew Christie-Johnson who has embarked for his 17^th season at the helm of the Tasmania-based squad. “I’ve always wanted to send my team to Le Tour de Langkawi, it’s an honor to be part of this race this year and we’ll line up with our most competitive riders for this particular event”, said the IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness team manager.

“I’m immensely excited about riding Le Tour de Langkawi for the first time”, added recruit Jesse Kerrison, 22, who also appeared in the best form of his life at the Australian national championship. He’s already established as a sprinter on the Asia Tour, having bagged a few stages since his first success at the age of 19 at the UCI 2.1 Tour of Taihu Lake in China. He’ll be the team’s sprinter along with experienced fast man Anthony Giacoppo.

“From Jay Sweet in the very first Le Tour de Langkawi in 1996 to Caleb Ewan in 2015, we have a long history of successful Australian sprinters and we’d be happy to see it continue”, Emir noted. In the history books of LTdL, thanks to sprinting stars Graeme Brown and Stuart O’Grady, Australia is ranked second in number of stage wins with 26 up to date while Italy leads the charge with 75. Duels between Italians and Australians are highly expected in bunch gallops in the 22^nd edition of Asia’s premier Hors Category stage race.

THE ISOWHEY SPORTS SWISSWELLNESS TEAM FOR THE 2017 LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI:

Cameron Bayly, Chris Harper, Jesse Kerrison, Anthony Giacoppo, Sean Lake (AUS), Joseph Cooper (NZL)