Vicious cycle ends as LTdL winners finally get their money
The riders and teams finally get their money.
After five months of waiting, the winners of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2020 have had their dues settled by race organisers Human Voyage Sdn Bhd.
A total of RM823,450 was paid out to winning teams and riders of the race, which was held from Feb 6-14.
The race’s chief operating officer Shahaizereen A Hamid said the payments were made early this month, through the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The payment is usually paid within 90 days of the race, but the process was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia.
According to Shahaizereen, the Youth and Sports Ministry and the sport’s governing body Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) have been informed of the payment.
“The issue of unsettled payment due to complications faced during the movement control order period has been resolved, following our meeting with minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican,” he said.
Human Voyage, according to Shahaizereen, was already planning next year’s 26th edition despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
“We remain committed to delivering the 2021 race, but it all depends on the government’s directives.”
This year’s 25th edition was held under the new UCI Pro Series status.
Team Sapura Cycling’s Danilo Celano won the yellow jersey, while NTT Pro Cycling’s Max Walscheid was the top sprinter (Green jersey) and Vino-Astana Motors’ Yevgeniy Fedorov was the top Asian rider (White jersey). Team Sapura Cycling’s Mohd Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff created history by becoming the first Malaysian in 25 years to win the red jersey as the King of the Mountain.