Sponsors breath life into a promising LTdL 2009
20/1/2009

KUALA LUMPUR - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009: Asia's biggest cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is back this year as a new-look race, inspiring change and a better future under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This 14th edition brings with it a new meaning to the word perseverance as the sport of cycling continues to move forward despite current economic uncertainties on a global scale. Graded again as a hors class (2.HC) race by the International Cycling Union (UCI), LTdL 2009 maintains its status as one of the most prestigious races in Asia, projecting the vibrant, dynamic, colourful and peaceful nature of host country Malaysia.

Measures to make the race more compact, in dealing with difficult times has not meant a decline in interest in the race as some 17 world class teams representing each continent will be pitting their strength against three Malaysian teams that are fired up for the challenge set forth right from the start of the race on February 9 to its end on February 15.

The changing and evolving face of LTdL today is represented not only by its route and a number of new, hopeful teams, but also in the presence of a growing number of new sponsors wanting to associate themselves with this prestigious event. Officiated in a gala handing over ceremony at the Palace of Golden Horses, by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in the presence of LTdL 2009 executive chairman Tuan Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab, who is also president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), the race continues to be backed by a myriad of established companies, who will find this as an opportunity to contribute towards the growth of not just the sports tourism industry and the promotion of the country, but the development of cycling, which is now considered one of the most important sports on the national agenda.

LTdL 2009 chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohamad, in thanking both returning and new sponsors, promised yet another successful edition of LTdL, stating the vital aspect of sponsorship as one of the key reasons behind the success of each of the previous editions.

"In reality, we would never be able to do it without the support of sponsors. But at the same time we work hard to ensure that this is a relationship that doesn't just end here, at this handing over ceremony. Some, who have continuously supported our race through thick and thin, have become established components in our big happy family," said Datuk Naim.

"Gaining in terms of sponsorship also comes with a big responsibility of not just delivering a good race, but ensuring that all our sponsors goals are met as well. We work hard to ensure that each and every ringgit contributed by sponsors goes back in terms of returns in mileage and advertising value."

This time around, national car manufacturer Proton together with Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s sponsorship of the most coveted jersey, the yellow jersey for the overall leader of the general classification, won last year by Moldova's Ruslan Ivanov of the Serramenti Diquigiovanni-Androni Gioccatoli team, comes alongside the company's return yet again as official car supplier.

Fortified drink Milo, a household name in Malaysia for the past century, will again supply the leader's jersey for the point’s classification which is set to see fierce battle between the top sprinters in the pack. While Genting Berhad, synonymous with LTdL most dreaded deciding stage, the climb up Genting Highlands, will again provide the polka dot jersey for the leader of the mountains classification.

The leader of the Asian riders' classification this time around, will project the name of one of the latest additions to the LTdL family, German car maker Volkswagen, who make their debut as an event partner for the blue jersey worn by the leader of this classification.

"Delivery is key to everything and in meeting with that goal, we welcome on board again, superfast courier service Sure Reach. We hope with their help, we can guarantee that a successful edition of LTdL will be delivered to you. We also welcome another household name, Le Run, into our family. Having been around for so long, in most cases providing the first bicycle most of our children would be riding, it is only just that this bicycle company becomes part of our family," said Datuk Naim Mohamad.

Naim also said that this year’s theme for the tour is “SPORT TOURISM TOWARDS ONE MALAYSIA” that is “SUKAN PELANCONGAN KE ARAH SATU MALAYSIA”. Malaysia which is united, peaceful and prosperous where each Malaysian have the opportunity to excel and develop their true potential in a safe and secured environment.

LTdL 2009 will cover a total distance of 1,036.3km beginning with Stage One from Putrajaya to Senawang on Feb 9, Senawang to Melaka the following, a loop from Melaka to Melaka after that; before leaving Melaka to Bandar Baru Bangi for Stage Four, before coming to the decider from Petaling Jaya to Genting Highlands (Stage Five). Stage Six on the penultimate day on February 14 is from Batang Kali to Shah Alam and the curtains comes down with the traditional Kuala Lumpur Criterium on February 15.

The Tour is organized by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) with the support of the Malaysian Government via the Ministry of Youth and Sports and sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC).

<< BACK