Prestige intact
Absence of pro Tour teams won’t affect status of LTdL
PUTRAJAYA: It’s all systems go for Malaysia to play hosts to the 24th edition of the world-class event, the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).
LTdL chief commissar Sven Calus said that the absence of professional Tour teams would not affect the standard nor jeopardise the 2 Hors Class category status of the prestigious event.
Calus, who has been appointed as the chief commissar by the International Cycling Union (UCI), said the evaluation of LTdL was based on the organisation and not the number of pro Tour teams.
The Frenchman was pleased Malaysia had attracted riders from all five continents – Asia, Oceania, America, Europe and Africa.
“We’re happy with the participation of riders from all over the world as all the five continents are represented. This is very important to UCI,” said Calus.
“LTdL also managed to surpass the number of riders needed to compete in a Tour. The minimum number is 120 but a total of 132 riders from 22 teams will feature in the LTdL.
“We’ve also looked at the safety aspect and I can tell you there’s nothing to fear. The organisation of LTdL will be carried out professionally,” he said.
Calus and the participating teams are expected to submit reports to the UCI on the organisation after the race.
“I’m looking forward to the Tour as it is a famous race here, which has been organised for more than 20 years ago,” added Calus, who is involved in the Tour of Langkawi for the first time.
Datuk Ahmad Mustafa, the LTdL chief executive officer, said they could not get the pro Tour teams to compete this year because the race clashed with competitions in Europe.
“We usually host the race in February but this time we’re holding it in April and pro teams couldn’t make it.
“It’ll still be competitive and we promise to make it a good show,” said Ahmad.