More winners with shorter route
12/12/2008, NST

A SHORTER 14th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) promises a higher turnover of jersey holders, with all-rounders looking good to dominate the race.

The LTdL, still ensured the highest 2.HC grade by the International Cycling Union (UCI), will run its shortest ever route, covering a total of 1,029.9 kilometres over seven stages on Feb 9-15.

The route launch at the Sports Ministry yesterday provided an optimistic view on what critics will see as an improved, compact version of the race that promises to pile the pressure on a bigger mix of riders in a 120-strong peloton made up of 20 teams.

Undulations via Stage One from Putrajaya to Senawang will see the mountains classification up for grabs right from the start, throwing a sense of wide-openness into the picture, with sprinters' teams not guaranteed a bunched sprint finish.

Tricky categorised climbs are sprinkled throughout the six stages prior to the traditional final stage, the Kuala Lumpur Criterium on Feb 15.

The queen stage, the climb to the top of Genting Highlands makes a return this time around, after being replaced by Fraser's Hill this year, but via a short 95.6km route on the fifth day from Petaling Jaya.

A shortened Tour painted a picture of an effect of the financial crisis, but LTdL chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohamad believes the Tour this time around will provide enough grounds for an exciting race.

"It is a shorter route, but I cannot accept any notion that this is going to be a simpler race. We've improved on areas where we've got negative feedback, like having virtually no long transfers between stages," said Naim at the route launch yesterday.

The teams competing in the 14th edition of LTdL are yet to be finalised, but Naim indicated that out of the 20 teams, at least 10 contesting the three Grand Tours (GTs) will be present.

Malaysia will likely field three teams -- the national team, MCF Cycling Team and Le Tua.

THE ROUTE -- Stage One (Feb 9): 135km from Putrajaya to Senawang; Stage Two (Feb 10): 161.7km from Senawang to Malacca; Stage Three (Feb 11): 186.6km Malacca loop; Stage Four (Feb 12): 222.2km from Malacca to Bangi; Stage Five (Feb 13): 95.6km from Petaling Jaya to Genting Highlands; Stage Six (Feb 14): 148.4km from Batang Kali to Shah Alam; Stage Seven (Feb 15): 80.4km Kuala Lumpur Criterium.

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