Datuk Seri Azalina Launches People-Friendly Tour
BUKIT JALIL (December 5, 2007) – A record 25 teams including 5 Pro Tour outfits and 10 from Asia will grace the 13th edition of the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi from Feb 9 to 17 next year. Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, today officially launched the logo, website and Tour headquarters at the National Acquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil.
With the increased participation and the return of the Pro Tour teams, combined with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, who are the main organizers for the event next year, the Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 is set to be the best ever since its inception in 1996.
The Tour is also sanctioned by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Asian Cycling Confederation.
“The involvement of the Ministry will ensure the continued growth and prestige of the race. The Tour will also play a massive role in the development of the sport in the country,” said Datuk Naim Mohamad, the Chief Operating Officer of the Le Tour de Langkawi 2008.
One of the major differences in the forthcoming Tour is the idea of taking it closer to the people. “In order to achieve this, we will be organizing more events on the ground which means more carnival-like activities at all start and finish venues. One of the side events to be included will be cycling clinics.”
Datuk Naim said one of the priorities for the Tour next year was to promote cycling at the grass root level. “This will be done via the Rukun Tetangga and Kampung Baru programmes. One of the other key messages is also to encourage more Malaysians to take up cycling as a means to a healthier lifestyle.”
On the race proper, Datuk Naim said the Tour had experienced tremendous growth over the years and has developed into a major cycling race in the world. It is now ranked among the best cycling races outside Europe. More importantly, the Le Tour has contributed immensely to the promotion of the country on a global scale.
Picture: Tan Sri Elyas Omar, sports commissionner
of Malaysia, Datuk Naim Mohamad, chief operating officer, and
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth and Sports have launched the
image of the 2008 Le Tour de Langkawi
“With so much being said about the country in recent times, the Tour will help conclusively show the world that Malaysiais a safe and ideal holiday destination,” said Datuk Naim. “I believe this is the only sporting event in the country that really showcases the true beauty and charm of Malaysia.”
Datuk Naim pointed out that the Tour would not have achieved its current status without the help of the Malaysian Government, the various ministries, state governments, government departments and agencies involved in the race.
“Thanks to their untiring efforts over the years, the Tour has been held with tremendous success. We are confident it will be yet another sensational race next year,” said Datuk Naim.
“This year’s logo offers a very dynamic and modern look while the website has been given a face-lift that will surely please cycling fans in Malaysiaand all around the world,” he explained.
The website, which obtained over 2 million hits per day during the event this year, is a major source of information for cycling fans. The number of fans tuning in to the website will rise sharply during the event as they try and keep abreast of the latest news. “Last year's live updates during the race proved to be a major hit and we expect it to be the same again next year.”
On the route, Datuk Naim said: “We are in the midst of finalizing things and will be announcing the route in due course.” The launch of the route is scheduled for December 18.
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