For the third consecutive year, Le Tour de Langkawi and Bike Pure will seek to send out an anti-doping message through a partnership at the race. Wristbands will be handed out to race officials, staff and riders to wear at the race, with the symbolic gesture intended to show a commitment to support clean racing in the sport.
“Major events like Le Tour de Langkawi are put together at a great expense and no organizer wishes to see their event tarnished with a doping scandal,” the race’s chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal explained.
“Sponsors emphasize on positive media attention, and one single rider could destroy all this investment.”
Bike Pure was set up several years ago in response to scandals in the sport, with the Irish-founded organisation encouraging fans and riders to show they wanted change. Associating with races such as the Tour de Langkawi is a good platform to continue that goal.
“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership to the Tour de Langkawi,” said co-founder Andy Layhe. “For the race organisers to show their support for our ethical sporting and anti-doping message means a great deal to us. Their commitment to Bike Pure speaks volumes in relation to race organisers who are willing to send a clear, concise message that they won't tolerate or condone cheating in their event.”
“The Tour de Langkawi is growing in stature each year and it is a pleasure to be associated with such a prolific event on cycling's world stage.”
This year’s race will take place between February24th and March 4th, and will feature 22 professional teams. The Garmin-Barracuda squad of Tom Danielson and Alexandre Vinokourov’s Astana team will be part of that lineup. Danielson is a past winner of the race, while Vinokourov also competed there as a younger rider. He will ride the ten-stage event as part of the final season of his career.
The race begins in fifteen days’ time with a 20.3 kilometre time trial in Putrajaya. Stage finishes will take place in Melaka, Parit Sulong, Muar, Pandan Indah, Genting Highlands, Kuantan, Chukai, plus two in Kuala Terengganu.