Thu, 29 Jan 1998

RI team named for Tour de Langkawi

JAKARTA (JP): The West Java chapter of the Indonesian Cycling Association has announced the six cyclists who will represent the country in the Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia next month.

The team will be Tonton Susanto, Amin Sunarya, Agus, Egi Hariman, Cecep Erfiandi and Eggi Erin Ismail.

Association official Teddy Rahmat said yesterday that the six were chosen from a squad of nine following a three-day selection process in Garut, West Java.

"The Tour's organizer only allowed six cyclists so we had to drop Deni Sudradjat, Ryan Arikan and Memet. We were also told that we could only send three officials to the race. We have yet to decide who," Teddy said, as quoted by Antara.

From Jan. 25 to Jan. 27 the nine cyclists took part in a 30- kilometer individual time trial, an open road race and an undulating open road race.

The Tour de Langkawi is expected to feature cyclists from Europe and East and Southeast Asia. Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and host Malaysia are among the participants.

Teddy said the Malaysian race, which has 12 stages, was very tough.

"Before the six cyclists compete in the Langkawi race, they will do some more training in Bandung. We want to ascertain their form," Teddy said.

Tatang Pridasa, of the association's main office, hoped that the cyclists would fulfill their potential. "The race will be good experience for the cyclists."

As to the team's funding, Teddy said the association was still looking for money.

"It is difficult to get funds when Indonesia is facing financial crisis," Teddy said. He declined to state the amount needed. (lnt)