The sixth LEKAS Highway Ride, Malaysiaâs No. 1 closed highway night cycling challenge, drew close to 4,700 local and international cycling enthusiasts. The event, which is a collaboration between RHB Banking Group and Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban Sdn Bhd (âLEKASâ, a subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhadâs Toll Division), was held on 27 July 2019 at the Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza, LEKAS E21.
The event was flagged off by YBhg. Datoâ Dr. Syed Omar Sharifuddin Syed Ikhsan, Secretary General, Ministry of Works, Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, Chairman of RHB Banking Group and Datoâ Soam Heng Choon, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.
This yearâs RHB LEKAS Highway Ride attracted cycling enthusiasts from 26 countries across the world, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Italy, France, Bulgaria, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, China, India, Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, among others. This ride attracted 4,641 cyclists, and saw 8% increased in participation from international cyclists and 14% in female cyclists taking part in the 78km and 120 km ride.
Datoâ Khairussaleh Ramli, Group Managing Director of RHB Banking Group said, âRHB LEKAS Highway Ride 2019 has heightened the pace of cycling and has become one of the most sought after cycling event in Malaysia, uniting cyclists of different race, age and gender from across the world on a single platform.
The opportunity of riding on a highway such as LEKAS at night has created a lot of excitement amongst cyclists and it is definitely an experience of a lifetime for those first time cyclistsâ.
âWith the increasing health issues in todayâs society and the tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle, cycling is a good outdoor activity that connects communities and families and at the same time engages in an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
My advise to all 4700 participants of RHB LEKAS Highway Ride 2019, be safe and enjoy the ride,â added Datoâ Khairussaleh.
LEKAS, a dual three-lane highway which connects Kajang, Selangor to Seremban, Negeri Sembilan had ensured a full road closure for the event, and a fully LED-lit highway circuit, allowing cyclists to enjoy a smooth and safe ride.
Both the 120km and 78 km race routes started and ended at Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza. Datoâ Soam Heng Choon, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad said, âWe are thrilled to return as the venue sponsor at LEKAS Highway as it aligns with IJMâs commitment to inspire and encourage healthy, active living to all Malaysians from every walk of life.
“Over the years, we have seen the event gain traction to become one of the most anticipated events on Malaysiaâs cycling calendar. It is also very heartening to see the carnival-like atmosphere at the event with participants enjoying the food, complimentary sports massage and games in the cool night air.
 “Along with the other running events that IJM organises throughout the year, we are glad that our highway concessions are being used as platforms to bring sports enthusiasts, friends and families together on a totally closed highway.â
The competitive rides for the cycling event featured the 120km and the 78km routes. Categories for the 120km route were the âOpenâ (men/women aged 22 years and above), âVeteranâ (men aged 45 years and above) and the âCorporate/Open Teamâ (men/women aged 22 years and above).
Categories for the 78km route were the âOpenâ (men/women aged 22 years and above), âVeteranâ (men aged 45 years and above), and the âYoung Adultsâ (boys/girls between the ages of 17 and 21 years).
There was a special fun ride for teenagers (ages 13 to 16 years) and children (ages 10 to 12 years). These categories were fully sponsored by IJM, together with the first 100 participants of the Young Adult category, aiming to nurture new talents and promote cycling as a sport for all.
A special appreciation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) and Ministry
of Works (KKR) for their efforts and dedication towards the success of the event.
