M’sian cyclists have potential to become world beaters – PM

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday expressed confidence that Malaysian road cyclists have the potential to become world beaters, including competing in the famed Tour de France.

He said the success shown by national cyclists in the just concluded Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2020 proved that Malaysians have the ability to compete with the world's best.

“This year is the 25th edition of LTdL, the highest level cycling race in the country. For the first time, I am seeing a Malaysian rider (Muhamad Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff of Team Sapura Cycling) wearing the red jersey (King of the Mountain).

“This shows that we have the necessary ability… what is important is to train regularly until the next race comes along.

“I hope they (national cyclists) will achieve better success and go on to become world-class champions, and compete in the Tour de France and other races,” he said after the end of LTdL's eighth and final stage in Kuah town yesterday.

Also present was Youth and

Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Dr Mahathir hoped LTdL will continue to be organised in the future as the race has garnered worldwide following and media publicity.

“One of the reasons we organised the LTdL because it gets television coverage in many countries. Viewers from these countries will get to watch and know our country and places such as Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu and this is good advertisement to attract potential tourists,” he said.