BUKIT JALIL – Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal wants local cyclists to take advantage of the reintroduction of the Most Combative Rider Award at this year’s edition of the road cycling race.
This award is given to a cyclist who demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship by helping their teammates succeed in every stage of the race. It is a popular award at other grand tours around the world.
For the record, the Most Combative Rider Award last appeared in the 2017 edition of the LTdL, where Malaysian cyclist Loh Sea Keong won it twice at Stage 2 and Stage 4. He also bagged the award twice in the 2016 edition.
“Because Sea Keong’s efforts were recognised, he became the first Southeast Asian to join the ProTour Team (now known as WorldTeam),” said Emir.
The race organisers, The National Sports Council, recognise the significance of the award and have taken the initiative to bring it back.
“When we look at road cycling races, we only know the race winners like Andrea Guardini and Theo Bos, but the unsung heroes of the teams are never mentioned.”
“So we want to recognise them and make it known that their efforts are appreciated,” said Emir after a press conference here today.
The award will be given to one cyclist at every stage of the race, and they will receive a RM1,000 cash prize and a plaque.
The winner will be selected by a jury consisting of the race commissar, the technical director, and Emir himself.
The LTdL is scheduled from September 23 to September 30. – September 9, 2023