Asian race sending the message of clean cycling with anti-doping movement
The organisers of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) have announced that the race will be run in partnership with the Bike Pure organisation for a fourth straight year. The ten day, 2.HC-ranked race, which begins in Kangar, in the very northern tip of Malaysia, on February 21st, will “actively promote the drive for clean and ethical cycling, free of abuse of banned substances,” according to its press statement.
“We are glad to be partners in this drive to rid cycling of the bad image brought about by continuous cases of cheating,” said LTdL CEO Emir Abdul Jalal. “While we do already enforce strict doping control procedures with dope tests conducted at the end of every stage, this partnership will provide a platform to send a clear message through that doping is not tolerated in our race and in cycling.”
As part of the race’s commitment to clean cycling, all competitors, staff and volunteers will wear Bike Pure’s conspicuous blue wristband throughout the event.
“With the recent Lance Armstrong saga that has left the image of the sport bloodied, it’s a very important time for the sport and event organisers to stand up and support ethical sport,” explained Bike Pure co-founder Andy Layhe.
“It only takes a small number to damage the image but the masses of cyclists represent the new generation of riders, many of whom are competing in this years LTdL. Bike Pure are once again honoured to partner LTdL, providing specially commissioned wristbands and literature for the event.
“Organisers of major cycling events can do a great deal to show their support for fair, honest sport and this is exactly what the LTdL is doing on a regular basis with this wonderful and prestigious event,” Laye explained. “LTdL grows in stature each year and we are very much looking forward to seeing the progress of this years event as it plays out cycling theatre in spectacular surroundings.”
The 2013 Tour de Langkawi – which will run under the slogan “The Heat is On” – will begin with a team presentation in Kangar on February 20th, the day before the race begins, before covering a total distance of 1469.7km in its ten stages.