KL plans Asia's biggest cycling race

KL plans Asia's biggest cycling race

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will hold Asia's biggest cycling event, a tour around peninsular Malaysia offering US$400,000 in prize money, organizers said yesterday.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will flag off Le Tour de Langkawi on Feb. 29 on the northern island of Langkawi and the race will end 10 days later on the island after traveling through major towns on the peninsula.

The race has attracted 21 teams from 19 countries so far, although none of the world's top cyclists have entered due to scheduling conflicts, the organizers said.

Brian Elliot, head of race consultants Sports Ambassador Limited, told a news conference the concept of a country tour race in Asia was a great boost for world cycling.

"The opportunity for top cyclists to escape the fierce Europe winter and warm up for the cycling season in Asia has exciting potential," he said.

Salim Yatim, chief executive of the race's organizing company, said 25 private sector sponsors have contributed 3.5 million ringgit ($1.37 million) in cash and kind for the race.

He said special events were being organized in many towns to coincide with the 11-stage finishes of the tour.

Le Tour de Langkawi will be an annual event and will feature prominently in the International Federation for Cyclists calendar, Salim said.