LTdL 2026 Set To Be Toughest Ever With Three Hilltop Finishes

PUTRAJAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- The stage is set for a gruelling battle at the 30th edition of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2026 from Sept 27-Oct 4 as the riders will face what is widely regarded as the toughest route in the race’s history.

With three hilltop finishes included in the course, this year’s edition is expected to be a relentless test of strength, endurance and tactical brilliance, with every contender facing a challenge that could define - or derail - their quest for glory.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said this eight-stage special edition will be organised by the National Sports Council (NSC), in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), following the outstanding success of the event’s organisation in the previous three editions.

He said that LTdL 2026 will pass through eight states across Peninsular Malaysia over a total distance of 1,258.5 kilometres (km), and will feature the iconic ascent of Gunung Jerai for the first time in the Second Stage.

“The climb up Gunung Jerai will make its debut on Stage Two, from Taiping to the summit of Gunung Jerai. Although it is classified as a Category 1 climb, the ascent begins from sea level at the foot of the mountain and rises to nearly 1,000 metres in elevation, thus promising a challenging start to this year’s edition.

“Our desire to recreate the memorable back-to-back climbs of Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, which have only been held twice before in 2001 and 2011, will be realised this year after receiving the green light from the Resorts World Genting management for riders to once again conquer the gruelling summit of Genting Highlands,” he said after the launch of LTdL 2026 at Menara KBS here today.

According to him, the management of Resorts World Genting has given the green light for riders to tackle the demanding summit on Stage Five.

The minister also hopes that local outfits, such as the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), Malaysia Pro Cycling Team (MPC) and the Malaysian National Team, will be able to mount a strong challenge for podium positions. 

So far, all 20 teams, comprising WorldTeams, ProTeams, Continental Teams and national squads, have confirmed their participation ahead of the official launch event held today.

Meanwhile, he said they are still working on getting new sponsors to ensure the smooth running of the prestigious race.

“Insya-Allah, we do have sponsors who have already held discussions with the NSC for the organisation of the LTdL, and we will announce these sponsors later,” he added.

Below is the race schedule for LTdL 2026:

Stage 1: Sept 27 - Shah Alam-Kampar (193.0 km)

Stage 2: Sept 28 - Taiping-Gunung Jerai (145.6 km)

Stage 3: Sept 29 - Sungai Petani-Kuala Kangsar (189.9 km)

Stage 4: Sept 30 - Meru Raya-Cameron Highlands (140.1 km)

Stage 5: Oct 1 - Tapah-Genting Highlands (125.7 km)

Stage 6: Oct 2 - Pandan Indah-Rembau (121.3 km)

Stage 7: Oct 3 - Melaka-Batu Pahat (159.1 km)

Stage 8: Oct 4 - Muar-Putrajaya (183.8 km)

-- BERNAMA