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LTdL Is Asia's First Hors Category Race
Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has moved up in status as Asia's first race with a Hors category awarded by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Abdullah Kamal Shafi'i, executive chairman of LTdL organisers First Cartel Sdn Bhd, said: "LTdL previously had a status of 2.2 and now we have received the highest status, namely the Hors category. This makes Malaysia the first country in Asia and outside Europe to receive it".
The races are categorised according to standards set by UCI in terms of race management, the level of circuit challenge and the participation of racers of ranking and elite teams.
LTdL is now recognised as Asia's most prestigious cycling race, on par with the world famous Tour de France, Abdullah said in a press conference to announce the dates and routes of LTdL 2005 here Tuesday.
On the 10th edition of the race next year, Abdullah said it would be held over 10 days beginning Jan 28 and would reinstate Langkawi Island as its start plus new venues in the East Coast.
"The 2005 race will provide a balanced route with equal opportunities for sprint kings, climbers and time-trial experts to shine," he said.
The 1281.1 km race will pass through nine states with new venues including Kepala Batas, Kuala Berang, Maran and Bachok.
The number of climbs, previously three at Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands, have also been scaled down to two, namely the third stage from Gerik to Tanah Merah and the arduous Genting Highlands climb in the eighth stage.
LTdL offers a total prize pot of RM1.2 million.
Race Schedule
Stage 1 - 106.9 km
Langkawi Island
Stage 2 - 171.5 km
Kangar to Kepala Batas
Stage 3 - 172.9 km
Gerik to Tanah Merah
Stage 4 - 20 km
Bachok (time trial)
Stage 5 - 164 km
Kota Bharu to Kuala Terengganu
Stage 6 - 152 km
Kuala Berang to Chukai
Stage 7 - 166.8 km
Maran to Raub
Stage 8 - 97 km
Kuala Kubu Baru to Genting Highlands
Stage 9 - 165.0 km
Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya
Stage 10 - 65 km
Kuala Lumpur (criterium)
Kuala Lumpur 5/10/2004
