RACE OF THE CLIMBERS CONTINUES TO DRAW ATTENTION
24/02/2010
 KUALA
LUMPUR - Genting Highlands Resort is often associated with
fun and excitement, and its cool temperature offers an ideal
getaway from the tropical heat.
Genting
Highlands is the much awaited stage for the riders competing
in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as it is the deciding factor
in the race for the overall victory and the King of the Mountain
(KOM) classification.
Genting
Highlands stage is graded as a Hors category climb in the
mountains classification and can be considered the "Queen
Stage" of the annual race.
Genting
Malaysia Berhad is the sponsor for the red polka dot jersey
for the King of the Mountain classification which is the much
sought after piece of attire among climbers, is traditionally
sponsored by Genting Malaysia Berhad, which Genting Malaysia
Berhad has been a corporate partner of the race since its
inception in 1996.
For the
15th edition of LTdL, which begins from March 1 and ends on
March 7, Genting Malaysia Berhad once again continues its
sponsorship with a contribution worth RM1 million in cash
and kind, in order to ensure the success of the biggest race
in Asia.
Genting
Malaysia Berhad Deputy Chairman Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar today
presents the sponsorship to YB Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Deputy
Youth and Sports Minister at its headquarters in Wisma Genting.
"Genting
Malaysia is honoured to collaborate with the organisers of
LTdL 2010 because this further boost our promotional efforts
for Genting Highlands Resort as an entertainment and holiday
destination in this region," said Tun Mohammed Hanif
in his speech.
"Genting
is also proud to be among the main attractions to the international
teams and riders that compete in the biggest race in Asia."
Meanwhile,
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister YB Datuk Wee Jeck Seng stated
that preparations for the LTdL 2010 are running smoothly.
"The
commitment from all parties towards ensuring all preparations
for the event are complete, is very much appreciated. It is
proven that even with a smaller budget for the organisation
of the LTdL this time, this has not been a major problem,
but instead a challenge that has been taken up positively
by the organisers and their hard work has produced results,"
said Datuk Wee.
On the
chances of local riders to win the blue jersey for the Asian
riders' classification, Datuk Wee feels that the chances are
bright based on their recent performance and it is not impossible.
The
climb up Genting Highlands is very popular among riders who
compete in LTdL. Besides its steep and long climbs, those
who are not well prepared will have problems arriving at the
finish line which is 1,400 metres above sea level. This stage
is also regarded as the stage in which the overall winner
of LTdL 2010 would be decided.
Previous
winners of the LTdL Genting Highlands stage:
1996:
Damian McDonald (Aus/Giant Australia)
1997: Luca Scinto (Ita/MG-Technogym)
1998: Giuliano Figueras (Ita/Mapei)
1999: Marcus Ljunqvist (Swe/Cantina Tollo)
2000: Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Mex/Panaria)
2001: Paolo Lanfranchi (Ita/Mapei)
2002: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2003: Hernan Dario Munoz (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2004: Ruber Marin (Col/Colombia-Selle Italia)
2005: Ryan Cox (RSA/Barloworld)
2006: José Serpa (Col/Selle Italia-Diquigiovanni)
2007: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
2009: José Serpa (Col/Diquigiovanni)
The 15th
edition of the LTdL this year is organized by the Ministry
of Youth and Sports with assistance from the Malaysian National
Cycling Federation and has been granted hors category status
by the International Cycling Union (UCI). The race comprises
seven stages which are Kota Bharu - Kuala Berang which covers
174.5km, followed by Kuala Terengganu - Chukai (182.3km);
Pekan - Mersing (145.6km); Mersing-Parit Sulong (163.5km);
Muar - Port Dickson (111.5km) Putrajaya - Genting Highlands
(102.8km) dan Kuala Kubu Baru - Dataran Merdeka (133.7km),
with a total distance of 1013.9km.
As
many as 120 cyclists from 20 teams, including two local teams
will contest in the race.
<<
Back to Main
|
