Sabah, Sarawak has the opportunity to host LTDL fully

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Sept: The proposal to create a Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) version of Borneo that focuses on Sabah and Sarawak could potentially be realized with state government funding support.

LTdL's Chief Operating Officer, Emir Abdul Jalal said the concept was more practical than bringing just a few races from the Peninsula to Borneo which required high logistical costs.

"If we really want to promote Borneo, make it a version of the Borneo Tour de Langkawi. In that year, Sabah and Sarawak were able to fully enjoy the LTdL's dominance.

"If my proposal is accepted by the Government of Sarawak and they are willing to provide funds for promoting the state, we can actually take this matter with an orderly management as well as optimal costs, not minimum", he told TVS recently.

According to Emir, the LTdL's exploration covering the Peninsula before the entire racing operation was transferred to Borneo required substantial additional expenses, as well as logistical challenges.

He said the 2024 pilot experience involving Miri and Bintulu saw an additional cost of almost RM5 million needed for the race operation transfer process.

"Now it's too expensive if we want to go there. Besides, there's a risk in terms of transfer. We'd almost miss a stage if we couldn't get it there.

"Cargo flights are something we can't control. We can plan and so on, but when the cargo is slow or there are other issues, we cannot control the delivery of bicycles to the racers.

"If the bike doesn't arrive and the runner can't race the next morning, that's a risk", he said.

Thus, Emir views an edition focusing on Sabah and Sarawak could optimize the cost of relocation, as well as opening up opportunities for more areas in both states to enjoy LTdL dominance.

He said the concept could consider an eight-stage division between Sabah and Sarawak, depending on route suitability as well as planning of the route.

In terms of routes, the Emir sees Borneo as having its own racing character, including a more challenging climbing profile in Sabah, while Sarawak offers a combination of routes suitable for competitive racing.

He said Kuching, Miri and Bintulu had been part of LTdL's races in the past, thus showing that Sarawak could potentially re-accept the prestigious race in the future.

"I see that the overall promotion in Borneo can not only expand LTdL's reach, but also be used as a platform to promote Sabah and Sarawak to international audiences", he said. -TVS