The Tour de Langkawi, a major Union Cycliste Internationale-sanctioned men’s cycle race in Malaysia, is adding an Under-23 race and a one-day race to its programme in 2020.
Race organisers Human Voyage said the Criterium International Under-23 race will feature riders with a UCI elite-racing licence, and the Malaysia Classic one-day race will feature national champions from around the world. The events are being added in celebration of the race’s 25th anniversary, but it is planned they will remain part of the programme in years to come.
Next year’s Tour takes place from February 7 to 14. It will span several Malaysian states, including Sarawak, Terengganu, Pahang, Federal Territories (Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur), Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah, covering a distance of 1,095.7km.
Speaking at the event’s launch press conference, Malaysia Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said: “LTdL [Le Tour de Langkawi] has fulfilled all of its original objectives to showcase Malaysia and Langkawi as a tourism destination as well as a sporting hub.
“Cycling has become more popular now in Malaysia. In this context, I would like to urge the organiser to tap into this huge interest in LTdL by taking the relevant initiatives to develop cycling as the preferred sport amongst the young.”
Human Voyage chief executive Datuk Ahmad Mustafa told local media: “UCI have limited Pro Series events to eight stages, but for our 25th anniversary they have allowed us to hold the criterium and one-day race just before and after LTdL.
“We hope to hold the criterium and one-day race annually from next year.”
He added that Human Voyage are expecting between six and 10 UCI World Tour teams at the LTdL in 2020, and disclosed to the New Straits Times that the event will cost no less than RM20m ($4.7m) to organise.
Source: Sports Business