IT is with great pleasure that I welcome all participants, officials and visitors to the 14th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi.

The people of Malaysia look forward to another edition of the Tour, which has grown into one of the most important events on the annual sporting calendar.

The race has grown from strength to strength over the last 12 years and has steadily attracted a growing following. It ha not only been an attraction to cycling enthusiasts, but also served to act as a showcase of Malaysia, especially since the route of the Tour winds through one of the most scenic parts of the country.

My thanks to go out to the Organising Committee, race personnel, sponsors and the volunteers, who bring a sense of community and a spirit of festivity to the event.

And of course, my best wishes go to the participants, who I hope will have a challenging but ultimately rewarding time ahead.

Best wishes,

Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Patron, Le Tour de Langkawi 2008

Welcome to all participants of Le Tour de Langkawi 2008!

Once again, the country will be gripped with cycling fever as 150 riders from 25 teams from all over the world converge in Malaysia for the nine-day annual sporting extravaganza.

Since its inception in 1996, the Tour has grown to become one of the world’s most important events in the international cycling calendar. The challenging terrain, the unique atmosphere, the wonderful landscape, the smooth organization – all these has contributed in building up the Tour’s remarkable reputation over the years. The event has reached a level where it has become on of the most exciting races outside Europe.

The Government, via the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is promoting sports in a big way, both competitively and as a way of life. We are working towards building a strong sports culture in the country by promoting sports for the masses and various sporting activities at grassroots levels.

It is the Government’s hope that by organizing the Tour de Langkawi, the interests in the sports of cycling would grow and in the process, the country would be able to tap new talents and future champions.

On that note, I wish to congratulate the main organizing committee for their efforts in running the Tour. To the riders, participants, officials and visitors, good luck in your endeavor!


Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
Chairman, Cabinet Committee of Sports

Malaysia will again be abuzz with excitement as Le Tour de Langkawi comes to our shores and participants ride through the length and breath of the country for nine days beginning 9th February. Le Tour de Langkawi enters its 13th edition this year with bigger commitment from the Government.

Therefore, it is the Government’s hope that this event will continue to play significant role in the development of the sport in the country, apart from promoting sports tourism in the country. What is more important is that event such as this would help towards realizing the Ministry’s vision in developing a sound sporting culture as Malaysia gears up to be a sporting nation. The Government believes that Le Tour de Langkawi has its own appeal and benefits to the cycling community and the masses.

I believe Le Tour de Langkawi, despite facing some difficult moments in the past, would continue to be an important event in Malaysia’s sporting Calendar. The Tour is much more than just a cycle race. The Government will continue to support events like Le Tour de Langkawi, as long as they are well managed and continue to attain international recognition.

The participation of some 150 top notch riders from 25 professional teams would certainly help towards boosting the profile of the sports, thus, encouraging the masses to take up cycling as healthy way of living. This way, we would be able to build bigger base of cyclists in the country and help towards promoting and developing cycling in the country.

Finally, my deepest appreciation to the Organising committee for their tireless efforts in staging a smooth race. To all participants, officials, volunteers, race staff, State Governments, uniformed bodies and host venues, thank you for your dedication and commitment.

Together, let’s make it a winner!

Dato’ Sri Azalina Dato’ Othman Said
Minister of Youth and Sports