Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has undeniably established itself as the stage where the stars of the future are unearthed, as has been proven since the race’s inception in 1996.
A host of global stars began their establishing themselves at Le Tour de Langkawi and with creditable results achieved in Asia’s biggest race, the young talents previously unknown began to make their mark en route to glorious careers after being noticed bythe world’s top professional teams.
Names like Alessandro Petacchi, Floyd Landis, Chris Horner, Levi Leipheimer, Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio, Antonio Cruz, Fred Rodriguez, Rigoberto Uran, Rinaldo Nocentini and Tom Danielson are among those who launched their careers in LTdL before moving on to bigger things on the world stage, even defining the pro cycling landscape of their generation.
Moreover, LTdL in its early years often was saw the participation of big name riders who were present to provide guidance to the younger riders signed by their WorldTour teams.
In fact, in 2005, one of the world’s top sprinters now, Mark Cavendish made his debut in as an elite rider in LTdL, riding as a 19-year old for the British national team here that year.
It is thus not surprising that despite the emergence of many new international races across Asia, LTdL is still a relevant topic discussed among riders who have competed in the 23-year old race.
It was always ideal that LTdL, traditionally held as an early season race on the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar, also played its part as a warm-up race for top teams before heading to the bigger races in Europe.
When the curtain opens for the 23rd edition of Le Tour de Langkawi with Stage 1 from Kangar to Kulim, covering 154 kilometres tomorrow, another new star may emerge to stamp is mark here, before moving on to global stardom in the coming years.
Apart from serving up a tough stage race format run under the scorching heat of Malaysia, the conditions sometimes descend into a chaotic thunderstorm providing the slipperiest of challenges, giving the peloton a true test of skill to bring out their true talents.
In less than 24 hours, Stage 1 will be open for viewing and with the race entourage currently camped in Alor Star, the riders were seen still undergoing some last minute training rides after moving here from the team presentation in Langkawi last night.
Team officials and the technical team have also detailed the running of the race in a meeting also attended by the president commissaire appointed by the UCI, John McDonald and race director Graham Jones at the official hotel for the LTdL secretariat today.
For local fans, the chance to see a world class event in front of their own eyes should not be missed, while predicting themselves whether any of the 132 riders on the startline tomorrow could someday be crowned a world champion.
The 23rd edition of LTdL began with the team presentation in Langkawi last night, before the opening stage is flagged off in Kangar on Sunday for a stage that ends in Kulim.
The UCI 2.HC status race, covering an overall distance of 1,341.2 km throught eight states in Peninsula Malaysia, will see 22 teams competing for honours.
LTdL 2018 is organised by Ciclista Sports with the full support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
