LTdL Thrives Under MSN Yet Organising Mandate Hangs In The Balance

By Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman

LANGKAWI, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Three years ago, the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) faced a massive uphill battle - financially, operationally and in public perception.

Some even questioned whether the 2.ProSeries race still had a place in the nation’s sporting calendar.

But under the management of the National Sports Council (MSN) since 2023, LTdL has pedaled into a new dimension.

The race is no longer just about elite cyclists on two wheels; it has become a celebration where Malaysians from all walks of life join in the excitement of the region’s biggest cycling spectacle.

This year marks the third and final year of MSN’s contract as organiser, with the future of this partnership still hanging in the balance.

LTdL Chief Operating Officer Emir Abdul Jalal said that over three years under MSN, the race has sported a fresh new face, incorporating modern technology such as advanced radio communication systems and LiveU-Starlink-based live streaming, making coverage smoother and more cost-effective.

“If you look back at the past three years, a lot has changed in terms of race organisation.

“LTdL now comes with more assets, value-added promotional programmes, competitions for Malaysians along the route, the Voice of LTdL, and even an amateur ride,” he told Bernama recently. 

He said MSN’s advantage lies in its non-profit orientation, ensuring that every ringgit of government funding and sponsorship is fully reinvested to elevate the event’s quality.

MSN has also successfully turned around LTdL’s negative image, which was previously marred by technical issues, payment delays, and organisational problems that once threatened the reputation of a race that produced global cycling stars.

“Whatever the funds, be it government grants or sponsorships, we channel them to make the race more exciting.

“If there were issues in previous years, MSN acts as a problem solver. We bring in the latest solutions. So, those outdated criticisms have mostly faded,” he said.

Emir added that LTdL is more than just a race; it’s an economic catalyst.

The economic spillover, he said, far outweighs government spending.

“For example, in 2024, the government gave us RM12 million and we secured RM12 million in sponsorships. But the economic impact for the people was around RM24 million.

“This helps develop the local economy, contracts for local companies, hotels, businesses and more,” he said.

Despite undeniable success over the past three years, the biggest question now is the future of the race’s organising contract.

MSN has restored LTdL’s reputation, but there is still no certainty whether the mandate will be extended or returned to private organisers.

Whatever the outcome, it is clear that LTdL’s transformation under MSN has reignited the spirit of this prestigious race.

Most importantly, it proves that LTdL remains relevant, not just as a sporting event, but as an economic driver and a unifying force for Malaysians on the road.

-- BERNAMA