Le Tour de Langkawi 2025: A New Era of Cycling in Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA, 27 Feb (Bernama) – The Queen Stage of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2025 has been named "Queen Stage" for the 29th edition, set to take place from September 28 to October 5, replacing the climb to Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands.
A total of 132 riders from 22 teams are expected to participate in the eight-stage event, covering a total distance of 1,257.8 kilometers.
A New Era of Cycling in Malaysia
Minister for Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, who launched the 29th edition of LTdL, said that this year’s event will traverse all 12 states in the Malaysian peninsula.
New Venues and Challenges
The Queen Stage will start with the first stage at 96.5km in Langkawi Island, followed by the Padang Besar-Kepala Batas stage (170.1km), the challenging stage across the Titiwangsa Range from Gerik to Pasir Puteh (198.2km), the fourth stage from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman (140.8km), and the demanding climb from Temerloh to Bukit Fraser (133.7km).
The journey will continue from Shah Alam to Port Dickson (123.4km), followed by the longest stage from Melaka to Medini (214.6km) before ending at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, with a 180.5km ride starting from Tangkak.
Optimizing the Route
"We have chosen this route with full research to ensure that the event covers all states. Last year, we brought the event to Sarawak, but the cost was high. If there is sufficient budget, we want to tour all of Malaysia, but for now, this route is the most optimal," said Hannah.
Government-Led Initiatives
The Minister also called on more government-linked companies (GLCs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other parties to support LTdL.
UCI Classification
Meanwhile, LTdL Operation Chief, Emir Abdul Jalal, said that although this year’s climb does not involve Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands, Bukit Fraser still offers a challenging ride.
"The route from Bentong involves a 27km climb to reach the summit at an altitude of 1,221 meters. I have discussed this with the UCI, and although the elevation is not sufficient for a Hors Class classification, the difficulty level is still high for this category," he said.
Safety Measures
Regarding the Gerik-Pasir Puteh route often associated with the presence of wild animals, particularly elephants, Emir said that his team has set up a special taskforce with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all parties.
Conclusion
Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 promises to be an exciting event, with a new era of cycling in Malaysia. With its challenging routes and new venues, the event is expected to attract a large audience and provide a thrilling experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the distance of the Queen Stage in LTdL 2025?
A: The Queen Stage covers a total distance of 1,257.8 kilometers.
Q: How many teams are participating in LTdL 2025?
A: A total of 22 teams are participating in the event.
Q: What is the new route for LTdL 2025?
A: The new route includes stages in Padang Besar, Tangkak, and Medini, among others.
Q: Is LTdL 2025 a UCI-classified event?
A: Yes, LTdL 2025 is a UCI-classified event, with teams from around the world participating.