KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The National Sports Council (MSN) hopes Malaysian riders competing in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) can spring surprises when the race kicks off September 29.
MSN director-general Abdul Rashid Yaakub said he is optimistic local riders can present stiff competition in the prestigious race, although he acknowledged the challengers this time have their own strengths.
“Maybe (we can create a title-winning surprise), but we must remember the teams out there are also very strong. If we win, that would be great. It would show the progress of our riders, but the teams we invite are at the highest level, competing in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and so on.
“Our team’s preparations need to be at the highest level. We hope we have another rider who can achieve success. Not just winning the polka-dot jersey (King of the Mountains) but, if possible, overall champion (Yellow Jersey)... Although it might be very difficult,” he told reporters yesterday.
Malaysian rider Muhammad Nur Aiman Zariff made history by becoming King of the Mountains in 2020 and 2022.
Malaysia has also claimed the Sprint King title through Anuar Manan in 2010 and the Best Asian Rider title through Adiq Husainie Othman in 2016.
However, last year’s edition saw Nur Aiman unable to defend his title, which was claimed by Tudor Pro Cycling Team rider from Switzerland, Simon Pellaud.
LTdL will see a total of 22 teams participating, including three WorldTeam-status teams — Astana Qazaqstan, EF Education-Easypost and Team DSM Firmenich Postnl.
The 1,190km race will begin in Langkawi for the first stage, followed by the second stage from Arau to Butterworth, Taiping to Cameron Highlands (stage 3), Kuala Kubu Baharu to Bentong (stage 4), Kuala Lumpur to Melaka (stage 5), Batu Pahat to Kulai (stage 6), Miri to Bintulu (stage 7), and Bintulu (stage 8).
— Bernama
