WITH only five days left before Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2019 gets underway on Saturday, race organiser Human Voyage is all ready and geared up for the country’s biggest cycling extravaganza which starts off at the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur.
According to LTdL 2019 Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ahmad Mustafa, the organisers had made meticulous preparation with no stones left unturned to ensure that the race runs smoothly and to the highest standards.
LTdL 2019, which carries the theme “Sports Unite, Cycling Contributes”, begins on April 6 in Kuala Lumpur and ends with two exciting stages in its birthplace Langkawi on April 12 and 13.
“In terms of organisation, we’ve met all criteria and we’ve also sorted out all pending issues…we’re ready for the big show.
“Teams and riders will start arriving in Kuala Lumpur from Wednesday (April 3) until Friday (April 5) for the customary Team presentation which takes place on Friday evening (5 April) in Kuala Lumpur,” said Datuk Ahmad at a Press Conference to announce the closure of certain roads in Penang in conjunction of LTdL 2019.
Penang will play host to Stage 6 of the 130.8km race, which starts off from Dewan Dato Ahmad Badawi, Bagan before heading for the finish line in Alor Setar on April 11.
Penang State Youth and Sports EXCO member, Soon Lip Chee thanked the organisers for selecting the State as one of the hosts of the 2.HC race, saying it would further help in the promotion of the state to the world.
“The State government wishes to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports for selecting Penang as one of the location for this prestigious event,” Soon said.
In announcing the scheduled road closures, the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department of the Penang State Contingent Police Headquarters (Penang IPK) said close collaboration with other agencies involved in the Tour is vital to ensure smooth traffic flow when the entourage visit the state during Stage 6 of the Tour.
Department Deputy Chief, DSP Zafri Zolkapli said: “We’re seeking assistance from all traffic units in the State and will be mobilising some 200 officers, excluding personnel from other uniformed bodies such as Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA),” said Zafri.
During the race period, road closures will take effect from 12.00 am (midnight) on April 11 which will affects roads around the Dato Ahmad Badawi Hall.
Several roads will be closed in stages, involving 12 roads between Bagan Ajam, Telok Air Tawar, Titi Mukim, Permatang Pak Elong and Permatang Sintok.
Malaysian and European fans will be able to catch the action via a 90-minute live broadcast of the race and a 30-minute daily highlights throughout the eight-day event. Overall, LTdL is looking at a coverage of over 100 countries with 310 million viewers on television and 70 million viewers through Cycling.TV.
To enhance fan experience and to encourage community participation, a host of side carnival-like activities will be held at the finishing location of each stage throughout the race.
| Roads/ Area | Duration of Closure | |
| Start | Ends | |
|
PENANG
|
6:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
|
Jalan Kampung Gajah – Bagan Ajam – Teluk Air Tawar – Titi Mukim – Permatang Pak Elong – Permatang Sintok – Permatang Tok Loba – Kepala Batas – Lahar Ikan Mati – Permatang Tinggi A – Bumbung Lima – Kampung Jambatan Merdeka |
||
