LANGKAWI, 28 Sept – Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024 promises to be another thrilling edition of one of Asia’s most prestigious cycling races.

Known for its challenging and diverse routes, the 2024 edition will take riders through some of Malaysia’s most picturesque and demanding terrains, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty, urban landscapes, and mountainous challenges.

Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or just curious about the race, the route for LTdL 2024 is sure to captivate and excite. The 2024 route is designed to test every aspect of a cyclist’s skill set, from high-speed sprints on at terrain to grueling climbs that will separate the contenders from the rest.

Back to the island where its all started, Stage One, a 96.5 km round island promises not only breathtaking views of one of the world’s most beautiful island, it offers a kind of sheer attacking ride, right from the first race start proper.

Short and fast, sounds like a massed bunch sprint but history has its story in 2014 where breakaways do win races in short stage, a mysterious win as the island was. The next stage from Arau to Butterworth covering 154.5km is a straight forward sprinters’ stage. Expect breakaway attacks for those collecting points, but with no intermediate KOM, riders will sail smoothly to the finish.

Stage 3, the queen stage where the highlights will be the ascent to Cameron Highlands, a climb known for its steady gradients and cool climate. This stage is expected to be the key battleground for the general classification contenders, as it provides a rare opportunity to gain significant time over rivals.

The climb to Cameron Highlands is long and punishing, requiring riders to carefully manage their energy and pace. The cool temperatures at higher altitudes may provide some relief from the tropical heat, but the climb’s length and elevation will still demand everything from the riders.

This stage will likely be where the race’s ultimate winner begins to emerge. But the main question will be where the climb is coming from, Simpang Pulai.  After all the struggle getting to the highest point at Coptorne Hotel (1,629m), its descending all the way to Tanah Rata. History reminds us that there were sprint battle before in Tanah Rata, grouped but definitely not a massed bunch. And those super climbers like Simon Carr, Hugh Carthy and Max Poole will find it hard to hold with time gaps counted in seconds, and the overall GC seems vulnerable after the queen stage.

Stage 4, should be more enticing for the General Classification (GC) leaders. This stage will traverse through Malaysia’s lush interior, passing through small towns and rural areas where local fans line the roads to cheer on the cyclists.

Climb starts at at the first twenty km and finishes at KM39.3 with Category 1 (865m) at historical Gap, border between the state of Selangor and Pahang.  Twenty kilometers of ascending skills need to be propelled by a pure descending skill in the next twenty, before a full flat to the finish line. The unpredictable nature of these stages could lead to unexpected shifts in the race standings, making for an exciting spectacle. A sure win for the kinds of Tom Pidcock, but who in this year’s contenders are brave enough for this adventure.

Stage 5, and everybody will back in the city of Kuala Lumpur, starting at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The 167.3km to Melaka is  characterized by rolling hills and punchy climbs, which could be decisive for the general classification, require riders to stay alert and ready to respond to attacks at any moment.

The undulating terrain means there will be no respite, as riders must constantly shift gears and adjust their strategy to the ever-changing landscape. The men in the peloton are sure to have a hard day at the office, catching up with leaders and pursuers before a sprint finale at MITC Melaka.

And before flying to Sarawak, the last stage in the Peninsular from Batu Pahat to Kulai will again be short and fast, with expected massed bunch sprint at the finish.

It ain’t over, till it’s over, is what the almost 200km stage from Miri to Bintulu promises. The coastal road is full its own unique challenges, winding roads with bumpy surfaces are torturing, strong crosswind from the South China Sea will be a constant distraction long enough. With the time gaps are still uncertain, this stage will undoubtedly be the last decider for all contenders.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal views, and dynamic energy sector, Bintulu known for its role as a hub in Malaysia’s oil and gas industry, provides a unique and exciting backdrop for the grand finale of Asia’s most prestigious cycling race.

And all set to Bintulu for the last stage, the last 8.5km 4 loops remind us all of final stages in kinds of Dataran Merdeka criterium and the Kuala Terengganu loop where fans gathered in a circuit to watch final battle in a fast but very tactical way. This final stage promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has already been an epic journey across Malaysia, an open race with no clear favorite amongst the contenders.

LANGKAWI, 27^th Sept – “Rain or shine, the race will go on.”

That was the sentiment echoed by Chief Operations Officer (COO) of PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2024, Emir Abdul Jalal when asked about the weather conditions for this year’s edition.

Emir said, weather conditions should not be an issue as the organisers has put into place contingency plans should the matter arise.

“We are ready. There are contingencies in place should there be any weather issues. There might be changes to the route if necessary, but the race will go on,” said Emir today.

The race, which covers a total of 1,190 kilometer (km) will be held in 8 stages, beginning with Langkawi on 29 September.

The weather has been a concern to the organisers, since Malaysia is currrently facing a monsoon transition period which brings thunderstorms that have the potential to cause flash floods.

In elaborating further, Emir said, the race commissaire would make the decision based on recommendations from the technical team.

“But the riders knew the fact that in a race, beside the terrain, they would be facing the elements as well,” said Emir.

The PETRONAS LTdL 2024 will cover  a distance if 1,190 kilometer and will see Langkawi Island back on the route, along with two stages held for the first time in the two cities of Sarawak – Miri and Bintulu.

BUKIT JALIL, 18 Sept – Three Pro teams – Equipo Kern Pharma, Corratec Vini Fantini and VF Group Bardiani have made significant changes to their line-ups just ten days ahead of the Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024, which will kick off its 28th edition in Langkawi on September 29.

The Spanish-based Kern Pharma team will instead rely on Miguel Angel Fernandez as their main sprinter, making six rider substitutions in the latest list submitted to LTdL organizers yesterday.

Miguel Angel, 27, who won two stages in the Tour of Hainan last August, will be supported by four fellow countrymen – Jorge Gutierrez Gonzalez, Ibon Ruiz Sedano, Unai Iribar Jauregi, Pablo Carrascosa Miller, and Danny Van Der Tuuk (Poland).

Kern Pharma previously listed young Spanish rider Pablo Castrillo, won two stages at the recent Vuelta a Espana and secured third place overll in LTdL 2023. However, the 23-year-old rider had to forgo this year’s LTdL as he received a call-up to his national squad for the UCI World Championships at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, the Corratec team will be banking on Jakub Mareczko, a stage winner in the Tour of Hainan 2024 to lead their challenge from Italy, after making five rider changes.

Jakub has a record of winning eight stages in the Tour of Hainan since 2015 and has won four stages in LTdL from 2016 to 2022.

The 30-year-old Italian rider will be assisted by Alexander Balmer (Switzerland), Valentin Darbellay (Switzerland), Valerio Conti (Italy), Etienne Van Empel (Netherlands), and Giulio Masotto (Italy) in the latest line-up released by the team.

Meanwhile, the Italian-based VF Group Bardiani team has made three rider changes by including David Gabburo, Alex Tolio, and Luca Paletti to replace Vicente Rojas Navanjo, Filipo Turconi, and Enrico Zanoncello.

This team, considered a “regular” in the LTdL, remains capable of providing intense competition in pursuit of stage wins.

A total of 22 teams will compete under unpredictable weather conditions recently, which will undoubtedly present a major challenge for the riders in LTdL 2024, covering a total distance of 1,190 kilometers starting from Langkawi Island and for the first time entering Miri and Bintulu in Sarawak.

BUKIT JALIL, 14 Sept – The World Team DSM Firmenich PostNL has named Great Britain’s rising star, Max Poole to replace Frank Van Den Broek at the Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2024.

It was announced just recently that Van Den Broek had to skip LTdL 2024 due to his participation in the UCI World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland from September 21 to 29, representing his home country, the Netherlands.

The 21-year-old Poole who will be making his debut for the team, is regarded as a fearless climber, capable of delivering high-level competition right to the final sprint to the finish line.

He recently impressed by securing four podium finishes in grand tour races, including the Vuelta a España, and finishing as the overall runner-up at the Vuelta a Burgos in Spain. Ranked 111th in the world, Poole, was borned in Scunthorpe, England.

Alongside Poole, DSM Firmenich will feature riders such as Alex Edmondson (Australia), Niklas Märkl (Germany), Casper Van Uden (Netherlands), Bjoern Koerdt (Great Britain), and Johan Dorussen (Netherlands).

DSM Firmenich is expected to be a strong contender among the 22 teams competing at LTdL 2024 in the race for the overall and stage wins, promising a balanced and intense competition between the three World Teams participating this year.

The 1,190-kilometer race will see Langkawi Island back on the route, along with two stages held for the first time in the two cities of Sarawak – Miri and Bintulu.

BUKIT JALIL, Sept 10 – Young national cyclist, Zulhelmi Zainal is set to lead Indonesia’s Nusantara Pro Cycling Team at the 2024 Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), taking on a new challenge after his standout debut last year with the Malaysian national team.

“It’s a dream come true,” said the 24-year-old from Kluang, Johor.

“After last year’s LTdL, I was determined to join a continental team, and now it’s real. Signing with Nusantara this year on a one-year contract is a huge step in my cycling career.”

Zulhelmi turned heads at LTdL 2023, emerging as the best Asian rider in Stage 4 from Bukit Mertajam, Penang to Meru Raya in Perak.

“I’m proud of my first LTdL. Coach Mohd Yusof Nasir and the national team gave me a great start, and I’ve gained valuable experience that I’m bringing to Team Nusantara this year.”

Despite joining an Indonesian squad, Zulhelmi continues to train in Malaysia.

“Whether it’s in Indonesia or Malaysia, what matters is that I’m prepared. I’m still working out with my Malaysian teammates, keeping up my usual routine.”

Zulhelmi’s goals for LTdL 2024 are grounded but ambitious.

“I’m aiming to be among the best, especially on flat stages, and to improve on last year’s performance. Everything depends on the team’s strategy, but personally, I’m looking to step up.”

The 28th edition of LTdL kicks off from September 29 to October 6, featuring the return of Langkawi Island to the route and two new stages in Sarawak, spanning a total of 1,190 kilometers.

BUKIT JALIL, Sept 8 – Spanish professional outfit, Burgos BH will bank on the experience of Mongolian rider, Jambaljamts Sainbayar to spearhead their challenge in the coming 2024 Le Tour de Langkawi.

Sainbayar is no stranger to Malaysian fans, as he represented local professional team, Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) from 2021 to 2023, achieving numerous personal and team successes, including winning the white jersey for the best Asian rider at LTdL 2022 and the yellow jersey at the Tour of Thailand 2021.

The 27-year-old Sainbayar, who recently competed at the Paris Olympics in the road race by finishing 57th and 28th in the individual time trial, has parted ways with TSG and joined Burgos BH at the end of 2023 with a one-year contract.

This move is part of his effort to expand his career by competing at the European level after becoming Mongolia’s first professional cyclist.

Burgos BH has identified Asia as a key region to assert their dominance, having achieved several successes in regional races, including winning three stages at the Tour of Qinghai Lake (2.Pro) and the Tour of Sharjah.

In addition to Sainbayar, who is well-versed in the racing conditions in Malaysia, the Spanish outfit has also lined up  Antonio Eric Fagundez (Uruguay), Mario Aparicio (Spain), and Ander Okamika (Spain).

Completing the team of six are Clement Alleno (France) and Georgios Bouglas (Greece).

Fagundez, Aparicio, and Okamika have balanced abilities and are capable of taking on the challenges as GC riders for Burgos BH. Burgos BH’s notable success at LTdL includes winning Stage 8 in 2022 through Alex Molenaar.

A total of 22 teams, including three World Teams – EF Education Easypost from the United States, Astana Qazaqstan Team (Kazakhstan), and DMS Firminich PostNL (Netherlands)—will heat up this year’s race.

The 28th edition of LTdL is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 6, covering eight stages with a total distance of 1,190 kilometers.

Langkawi Island is back on the route for this edition, which will also feature, for the first time, two stages in two cities in Sarawak: Miri (Stage Seven) and Bintulu (Stage Eight).