Datuk Seri Azalina Launches
People-Friendly Tour
5/12/2007
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.
"With so much being said about
the country in recent times, the Tour will help conclusively show
the world that Malaysia is 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 Malaysia and 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."
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