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.