All’s not lost as UCI approve three local meets next year

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) are hoping there will be some solace next year with the cancellation of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).

The LTdL was scheduled from Jan 30-Feb 6 but the Covid-19 pandemic made it impossible to stage thus forcing organisers to cancel the event for the first time since its inception in 1996.

However, all is not gloom and doom on the local front as the International Cycling Union (UCI) have approved the staging of the three tournaments – Tour of Malaysia (April 6-10), Le Tour de Femina (Sept 7-12) and Tour of Peninsular (Oct 13-17).

MNCF president Datuk Abu Samah Abdul Wahab however stressed that hosting these tournaments is subject to the Covid-19 situation in the country.

“We will have no problems getting permission from the authorities to organise it if the situation improves,” said Abu Samah.

“We hosted the National Championship in Melaka in September and we had no issues complying with the strict standard operating procedures. I’m pleased to say that there were no Covid-19 cases reported during and after the tournament.

“This is why we are confident of hosting these competitions.”

Abu Samah, who is also the Asian Cycling Confederation vice-president, revealed that there were efforts to organise the LTdL in September but could not find suitable dates.

“Many matters had to be considered by all the parties and I believe the UCI will accept our explanation. There are limited time for all parties to prepare in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic which makes the event impossible to stage.”