2009 Le Tour de Langkawi  - Sponsor Presentation
Asia's biggest cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi returns for its 14th edition with a new-look for the race, inspiring change and a better future under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Sponsors breathe life into the UCI 2.0 Event.

Sponsors Breathe Life Into a Promising Le Tour de Langkawi in 2009
Asia's biggest cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is back this year as a new-look race, inspiring change and a better future under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This 14th edition brings with it a new meaning to the word perseverance as the sport of cycling continues to move forward despite current economic uncertainties on a global scale. Graded again as a hors class (2.HC) race by the International Cycling Union (UCI), LTdL 2009 maintains its status as one of the most prestigious races in Asia, projecting the vibrant, dynamic, colourful and peaceful nature of host country Malaysia.

Measures to make the race more compact, in dealing with difficult times has not meant a decline in interest in the race as some 17 world class teams representing each continent will be pitting their strength against three Malaysian teams that are fired up for the challenge set forth right from the start of the race on February 9 to its end on February 15.

The changing and evolving face of Le Tour de Langkawi today is represented not only by its route and a number of new, hopeful teams, but also in the presence of a growing number of new sponsors wanting to associate themselves with this prestigious event.

 Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, officiated in a gala handing over ceremony at the Palace of Golden Horses, by  in the presence of LTdL 2009 executive chairman Tuan Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab, who is also president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF),

the race continues to be backed by a myriad of established companies, who will find this as an opportunity to contribute towards the growth of not just the sports tourism industry and the promotion of the country, but the development of cycling, which is now considered one of the most important sports on the national agenda.

No shortage of Drama: Serramenti PVC Assistant Director Marco Bellini gives 2008 winner Ruslan Ivanov a few last minute instructions before the start of the final stage.  Savio and Bellini signed the rider after two years without a pro contract leading to one of his best career victories. Photo © 2008 Action Images

2008 General Classification - top 5
Total Dist: 1370.70 kms (852.37 miles)
Average Speed: 43.87 kph (27.28 mph) 
1 14 MDA Ivanov, Ruslan SDA Serramenti PVC 31h20'28"
2 65 FRA Sprick, Matthieu BTL Bouygues Telecom 31h20'57" @29"
3 92 ESP Cesar, Gustavo KGZ Karpin Galicia 31h21'00" @32"
4 221 NZL Yates,Jeremy NZL New Zealand N.T. 31h21'04" @36"
5 45 BLR Sobal,Yauhen TCS Tinkoff Credit Systems 31h21'16" @48"

LTdL 2009 chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohamad, in thanking both returning and new sponsors, promised yet another successful edition of LTdL, stating the vital aspect of sponsorship as one of the key reasons behind the success of each of the previous editions.

"In reality, we would never be able to do it without the support of sponsors. But at the same time we work hard to ensure that this is a relationship that doesn't just end here, at this handing over ceremony. Some, who have continuously supported our race through thick and thin, have become established components in our big happy family," said Datuk Naim.

"Gaining in terms of sponsorship also comes with a big responsibility of not just delivering a good race, but ensuring that all our sponsors goals are met as well. We work hard to ensure that each and every ringgit contributed by sponsors goes back in terms of returns in mileage and advertising value."

Le Tour de Langkawi Sponsors take the stage at the presentation.

Jersey Sponsors - Leaders Yellow Jersey
This time around, national car manufacturer Proton together with Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s sponsorship of the most coveted jersey, the yellow jersey for the overall leader of the general classification, won last year by Moldova's Ruslan Ivanov of the Serramenti Diquigiovanni-Androni Gioccatoli team, comes alongside the company's return yet again as official car supplier. http://www.proton.com.my/

Milo - Points Classification
Fortified drink Milo, a household name in Malaysia for the past century, will again supply the leader's jersey for the point’s classification which is set to see fierce battle between the top sprinters in the pack. Milo/Nestle website

Genting Berhad - King of the Mountains
While Genting Berhad, synonymous with LTdL most dreaded deciding stage, the climb up Genting Highlands, will again provide the polka dot jersey for the leader of the mountains classification. http://www.genting.com.my/

Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo/GDR) in the blue jersey of the 2008 top Asian G.C. rider's jersey. Photo © 2008 Action Images

Volkswagen - Asian Riders Classification
The leader of the Asian riders' classification this time around, will project the name of one of the latest additions to the LTdL family, German car maker Volkswagen, who make their debut as an event partner for the blue jersey worn by the leader of this classification. Volkswagen Malaysia

"Delivery is key to everything and in meeting with that goal, we welcome on board again, superfast courier service Sure Reach. We hope with their help, we can guarantee that a successful edition of LTdL will be delivered to you. We also welcome another household name, Le Run, into our family. Having been around for so long, in most cases providing the first bicycle most of our children would be riding, it is only just that this bicycle company becomes part of our family," said Datuk Naim Mohamad. Sure-Reach Super Courier  Le Run Bike Distributors

Race Theme: "Sport Tourism Towards one Malaysia"
Naim also said that this year’s theme for the tour is "Sport Tourism Towards one Malaysia" that is “SUKAN PELANCONGAN KE ARAH SATU MALAYSIA”. Malaysia which is united, peaceful and prosperous where each Malaysian have the opportunity to excel and develop their true potential in a safe and secured environment.

The 2009 route details of Le Tour de Langkawi Photo © 2009 Le Tour de Langkawi

2009 le Tour de Langkawi stages"

Stage 1: Putrajaya-Senawang, 135 km
Stage 2: Senawang-Melaka, 161.7 km
Stage 3: Melaka-Melaka, 186 km
Stage 4: Melaka-Bandar Baru Bangi, 222.2 km
Stage 5 Petaling Jaya-Genting Highlands, 95.6 km
Stage 6: Batang Kali-Shah Alam, 148.4 km
Stage 7: Kuala Lumpur criterium, 80.4 km
Total distance: 1,029.9 kilometers

LTdL 2009 will cover a total distance of 1,029.9kilometers beginning with Stage One from Putrajaya to Senawang on Feb 9, Senawang to Melaka the following, a loop from Melaka to Melaka after that; before leaving Melaka to Bandar Baru Bangi for Stage Four, before coming to the decider from Petaling Jaya to Genting Highlands (Stage Five). Stage Six on the penultimate day on February 14 is from Batang Kali to Shah Alam and the curtains comes down with the traditional Kuala Lumpur Criterium on February 15.

The Tour is organized by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) with the support of the Malaysian Government via the Ministry of Youth and Sports and sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC). Malaysian Cycling Federation

Malaysian Cycling History
It is not known when actually the sport of bicycle racing was introduced in Malaysia. From reliable sources it is believed that bicycle racing was introduced by British Soldiers posted to Malaya before 1938. It was only in 1938 that organised activities in the sport of bicycle racing began with a number of Road races being held in and around Kuala Lumpur.

The first State in Malaysia to form an Association was Selangor in 1938 with a number of Bicycle Racing Clubs already in existence then such as the " Rough Riders " "Agas Wheelers" and others. With the formation of the Selangor State Cycling Association, cycling activities started to spread to other States like Perak, Melaka and Penang. The Malaysian National Cycling Federation was formed in 1953 thanks to the untiring efforts of the late Mr. Gurchan Singh and Captain C.O. Jennings (an officer of the New Zealand Regiment) with the States of Selangor, Melaka, Perak and Penang being affiliated members. The Registration Number of the Federation was RSM 146/55. More History of Malaysian Cycling
 

Sponsors VIP List:

• En. Mohamad Norin Abu Bakar - Group Corporate Communications, Proton Holdings Berhad
• YBhg Dato’ Anthony Yeo - Vice President Public Relation and Communications, Resort World Berhad
• En. Ng Ping Loong - Marketing Manager Sport Section, Nestle Product Sdn Bhd
• YBhg Dato’ Ilyas Mohamed - CEO, VW Cars Sdn Bhd
• En. A Majeed K Kulheen - General Manager, Petronas Dagangan Berhad
• En. Peter Chan - Executive Director, Sure Reach Worldwide Express Sdn Bhd
• En. Teoh Teik Leong - Marketing Manager, Le Run Industries Sdn Bhd

Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 Website

2009 Le Tour de Langkawi - Teams Announced
Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 - Bbox Bouygues Telecom
Route details announced for 2009 Tour de Langkawi
Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 - Final G.C. & Photo Gallery

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