PETALING JAYA: Amateur cyclists around the country will have a chance to be part of the prestigious 2024 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race through Domestique by LTdL.

The 96.5km race route around Langkawi island is set to take place on Sept 28, a day before the flag-off for the main event from Sept 29-Oct 6.

With over 1,500 participants expected to join the amateur event, they will tackle almost the entirety of the same course used in LTdL’s first stage on the island.

National Sports Council (NSC) director general Abdul Rashid Yaakub said the introduction of the new amateur race to be held alongside the main event will further elevate the 28th edition of LTdL.

He said the race will emulate other amateur events such as the L’Etape by Tour de France and Ride Like a Pro by Giro d’Italia.

“This is a special cycling event for loyal LTdL fans and will give the participants an opportunity to be in the same environment as the main event and professional cyclists.

“The participants will ride along Stage 1 of the main race, which takes place in Langkawi,” he said during a press conference at the NSC yesterday.

The winner of the race will have the honour of taking the official LTdL podium for their prize presentations, sharing the same spotlight as the professionals, further elevating the achievement and enriching the experience.

With a total of RM31,700 in the prize pool, Rashid added that the category winners will also be given the opportunity to follow the main event at one of the six stages held in West Malaysia.

“We have also sent out invitations to cyclists in Indonesia and Thailand,” said Rashid.

– The Star