DRAMA IN EVERY TURN
11/12/2009

KUALA LUMPUR - After 14 years, the 15th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL) made history when for the first time ever, all the stages offers points for Sprint and King of the Mountain (KOM), scheduled from 1st to 7th of March 2010.

In previous editions, the winner of the Yellow jersey (overall winner) will only be determined at the end of the Hors category climb in Genting Highlands, 2010 tour however promises the Jersey titles will only be finalized at the stage at Dataran Merdeka.

This is part of the bold risk taken by the organizers on the adjustment made to the traditional Kuala Lumpur Criterium where the final stage will now see the race starting in Kuala Kubu Baru and ending at Dataran Merdeka.

"Many think that the finish line of a certain stage determines the overall winner, but not for the tour. In fact in every Sprint zone and KOM have its own drama. Various strategies and tactics planned by the teams to collect all points on offer. Therefore the LTDL 2010 route that we’ve planned offers points (Sprint and KOM) until the final stage. This will clearly add more competition, other than the usual breakaway and pursuit along the route," said Mr Mohamed Salleh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) LTDL 2010.

The route selection as announced recently is to ensure King Of Mountain Jersey (KOM) continue to be contested at each stage, unlike previous editions where the KOM points were only on offer at certain stages, sometimes the KOM Jersey holder can easily secure the jersey until the penultimate stage in Genting Highlands.

Malaysia National Cycling Federation President, Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab also gave a thumbs-up on the route selected for LTDL 2010.

"In terms of technical, this is the preferred route for the riders because it gives them the challenge to demonstrate their ability, not only forcing the riders to push further, but also to choose their goals more wisely, as a stage winner, Sprint leader or KOM leader. " Only the riders and teams who really organize their race strategies and tactics from the beginning until end will only be crowned the Overall Winner at the end of the race later" said Abu Samah.

Abu Samah also added that the route in 2010 will be an advantage to local riders as it opens the opportunity for them to compete with foreign riders in the race."The performance of our riders in recent years have steadily grown from strength to strength especially for our sprinters and it’s not impossible in the first five stages they will make heads turn because this route provides a clear advantage, as shown in their victories in several races in and outside the country throughout this year, "said Abu Samah again.

What is clear is the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) as organizers LTDL 2010, is very serious in ensuring that we have a high-quality race, not just to ensure the excitement begins on the start until the finish line as unlike the previous editions.

The 15th Edition of 2.0 Hors Classe race involves seven stages, starting from Kota Bharu - Kuala Berang (174.5km); Kuala Terengganu-Chukai (182.9km); Pekan - Mersing (144km); Mersing - Parit Sulong (163.5km); Muar - Port Dickson (140.2km); Putrajaya - Genting Highlands (103.9km) and Kuala Kubu Baru-Dataran Merdeka (92.8km), covering a total distance of 1008.1km. A total of 120 riders from 20 teams including three local teams are expected to take part in Le Tour de Langkawi 2010.

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