Preparation for LTDL 97.5% completed: Organiser

KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations for the 23rd Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is now 97.5% completed before the prestigious race flags off in five days' time.
Ciclista Sports Sdn Bhd chief operating officer, Shahirudeen Seeni Mohamad said the remaining 2.5% involved installing the official vehicles with communication system and attire for the 2.HC status race in the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar from March 18 to 25.
"We are ready to go...Our focus now is on installing vehicles with the communication system and beacon light and stickers before the team launching on Friday at Dataran Lang in Langkawi.
"The 180 vehicles sponsored by Volkswagen cars are already here. One rider from the Astana Pro Team has arrived today while most of the cyclists will be coming tomorrow," he told reporters after a ceremony to introduce the sponsors of LTdL 2018 calvacade convoy here today.
Commenting on the sponsors, he said apart from the RM11.3 million grant from the Youth and Sports Ministry, Ciclista as the organiser had also received a RM300,000 contribution from Nur Power Sdn Bhd for the eight-stage race.
Ciclista Sports Sdn Bhd has also received contribution of various items valued at about RM500,000 from other sponsors excluding vehicles sponsored by Volkswagen.
"The Terengganu state government will also be undertaking all expenses incurred by the race in the state to a tune of about RM200,000," he said.
Meanwhile, Shahirudeen said 27 calvacade or procession vehicles representing the sponsors will enliven the air in the race.
"The convoy will move one hour earlier before the group of cyclists arrive to give an air of festivity along the route. With the rebranding named Calvacade & Le PARK@LeTour, there will also be exhibition stalls giving away souvenirs to visitors.
"As the LTdL is held during the school holidays, not many students will be present along the route. We are discussing with several district education offices on providing free items and t-shirt to encourage students to cheer the race along the way," he said.
A total of 132 racers representing 22 teams of various categories including World Pro Tour and professional outfits as well as national teams will be taking part in the 1,341km race through eight states in Peninsular Malaysia.
LTdL 2018 will start from Kangar to Kulim over a distance of 147.9km; followed by the Gerik- Kota Bharu stage (208.3km); Kota Bharu-Kuala Terengganu (166.0km); Dungun-Pekan (177.6km); Bentong-Cameron Highlands over 169.4km with a Hors status climb at Tanah Rata; Tapah-Tanjung Malim (108.5km); Nilai-Muar (222.4km) before ending in Dataran Merdeka via the Rembau-Kuala Lumpur stage (141.1km). — Bernama