Le Tour de Langkawi 2009

Asia's biggest cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is back this year as a new-look race, inspiring change and a better future under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This 14th edition brings with it a new meaning to the word perseverance as the sport of cycling continues to move forward despite current economic uncertainties on a global scale. Graded again as a hors class (2.HC) race by the International Cycling Union (UCI), LTdL 2009 maintains its status as one of the most prestigious races in Asia, projecting the vibrant, dynamic, colourful and peaceful nature of host country Malaysia.
Measures to make the race more compact, in dealing with difficult times has not meant a decline in interest in the race as some 17 world class teams representing each continent will be pitting their strength against three Malaysian teams that are fired up for the challenge set forth right from the start of the race on February 9 to its end on February 15.

The changing and evolving face of LTdL today is represented not only by its route and a number of new, hopeful teams, but also in the presence of a growing number of new sponsors wanting to associate themselves with this prestigious event.

This time around, national car manufacturer Proton together with Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s sponsorship of the most coveted jersey, the yellow jersey for the overall leader of the general classification, won last year by Moldova's Ruslan Ivanov of the Serramenti Diquigiovanni-Androni Gioccatoli team, comes alongside the company's return yet again as official car supplier.
Fortified drink Milo will again supply the leader's jersey for the point’s classification which is set to see fierce battle between the top sprinters in the pack. While Genting Berhad, synonymous with LTdL most dreaded deciding stage, the climb up Genting Highlands, will again provide the polka dot jersey for the leader of the mountains classification.

The leader of the Asian riders' classification this time around, will project the name of one of the latest additions to the LTdL family, German car maker Volkswagen, who make their debut as an event partner for the blue jersey worn by the leader of this classification.

LTdL 2009 will cover a total distance of 1,036.3km beginning with Stage One from Putrajaya to Senawang on Feb 9, Senawang to Melaka the following, a loop from Melaka to Melaka after that; before leaving Melaka to Bandar Baru Bangi for Stage Four, before coming to the decider from Petaling Jaya to Genting Highlands (Stage Five). Stage Six on the penultimate day on February 14 is from Batang Kali to Shah Alam and the curtains comes down with the traditional Kuala Lumpur Criterium on February 15.

The Tour is organized by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) with the support of the Malaysian Government via the Ministry of Youth and Sports and sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC).

More info at http://www.ltdl.com.my/