KL plans Asia's biggest cycling race<\/p>\n
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will hold Asia's biggest
\ncycling event, a tour around peninsular Malaysia offering
\nUS$400,000 in prize money, organizers said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will flag off Le Tour de
\nLangkawi on Feb. 29 on the northern island of Langkawi and the
\nrace will end 10 days later on the island after traveling through
\nmajor towns on the peninsula.<\/p>\n
The race has attracted 21 teams from 19 countries so far,
\nalthough none of the world's top cyclists have entered due to
\nscheduling conflicts, the organizers said.<\/p>\n
Brian Elliot, head of race consultants Sports Ambassador
\nLimited, told a news conference the concept of a country tour
\nrace in Asia was a great boost for world cycling.<\/p>\n
\"The opportunity for top cyclists to escape the fierce Europe
\nwinter and warm up for the cycling season in Asia has exciting
\npotential,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Salim Yatim, chief executive of the race's organizing company,
\nsaid 25 private sector sponsors have contributed 3.5 million
\nringgit ($1.37 million) in cash and kind for the race.<\/p>\n
He said special events were being organized in many towns to
\ncoincide with the 11-stage finishes of the tour.<\/p>\n
Le Tour de Langkawi will be an annual event and will feature
\nprominently in the International Federation for Cyclists
\ncalendar, Salim said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kl-plans-asias-biggest-cycling-race-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}