WORLD BODY GIVE THUMBS-UP TO LTDL
UCI chief commissaire says the event qualifies as 2.HC
LE Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has met all the requirements to be an UCI 2.HC act. That is the finding from cycling’s world body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) chief commissaire Sven Calus for LTdL
which flags off in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Calus made his views known after the Malaysia National Cycling Federation’s claim on Wednesday that LTdL could lose its 2.HC status as a stage race due to the absence of pro tour teams this year.
Calus said the 2019 LTdL has met all the required criteria for the class.
“The (2HC) classification is not concentrated on the participation of World Tour or Pro Tour teams, it is evaluated based on the (quality of) organisation (of the race),” he said yesterday.
“It (LTdL) is a very professional organisation, so I am not afraid of it losing its (2.HC) status in that respect.
“What is also important is that we have teams from all continents from all over the world. We will have teams from Oceania, Asia, Europe, America and Africa at the sport.
“UCI makes it a priority to have all continents represented in the peloton.
“Safety is also a key criteria which UCI take seriously. The organiser have said that the roads will be fully closed (for the race).
“Another aspect is the circuit (route) itself, which will also be evaluated. I am very excited to see the Genting climb (returning) in the queen stage.”
Calus disclosed that all competing teams will also send an evaluation report to the UCI after the race.
“I will be evaluating the race, with the 20 other commissaires under me, and we will send a report to the UCI after the race.
“The teams will also do the same. I will talk to the teams and get their feedback on what is good about the race as well as what needs improvement."
“It (LTdL) is a famous race which has been held for over 20 years. I was very excited to be appointed by UCI in November. This is my first time in Malaysia,” added Calus.