Cyclomotion ensures safe rides at L’Étape M’sia with free bicycle service

KUALA LUMPUR – Former professional racing cyclist Adiq Husainie Othman will be sending 20 mechanics to L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France to assist participants with any bicycle-related maintenance on the event day.

In collaboration with L’Étape Malaysia, the service provided by bike retail shop Cyclomotion is aimed at securing the riders’ vehicles for the amateur race, which will be held on June 4 at Desaru Coast, Johor.

“As I have been part of the professional cycling community for so many years and raced in various levels of championships, I understand the need to make sure that our ride for the race is in safe condition.

“As such, through Cyclomotion, we are collaborating with L’Étape Malaysia to provide participants with free bicycle service,” said the L’Étape Malaysia ambassador.

Equipped with a decade-worth of professional cycling experience, the Olympian and his partner launched Cyclomotion in Wangsa Maju in 2010 as a way to contribute to the cycling community.

“Cyclomotion is not just about selling bicycles and bicycle-related equipment. We also organise various cycling events, such as the CIMB Challenge Race a few years ago, and have set up a cycling academy for under-15 and under-18 members,” said the white jersey wearer of the 2015 Le Tour de Langkawi.

Throughout his career, Adiq shared that the most challenging track he had ever encountered was in 2013 at the Giro del Trentino – now called Tour of the Alps – an annual professional cycling race held in Italy and Austria.

The five-day race covered 710.3km with a total elevation of between 4,000m and 5,000m.

“The race was the toughest I’d ever taken part in. If I were to make a comparison, it would be similar to cycling up and down Genting Highlands but times three in terms of difficulty.

“But I’m really proud to have had the chance to race with some of the world’s greatest cyclists, such as (Welsh cyclist) Geraint Thomas and (British cyclist) Bradley Wiggins,” he added.

Although L’Étape by Tour de France is being organised for the first time in Malaysia, Adiq said it does not mean it will be easy.

He cautioned riders, especially first-timers, to be wary of the crosswinds and headwinds coming from the sea as well as the dragon-back route with a total elevation of about 1,800m and the warm air of the sea.

‘L’Étape puts Malaysia on the map’

Meanwhile, former professional cyclist Fazlan Adhili said L’Étape Malaysia would benefit amateur cyclists in many ways − one of them is the exposure gained from experiencing a professional cycling event first-hand.

“Taking part in any type of sports, including cycling, aids in self-development as you are exposed to different lifestyles and cultures.

“It will also be a great experience. Judging by the total number of participants in L’Étape Malaysia, I believe, at least, half of them have not participated in a tournament like this.

“They will learn a lot of things, like riding in a big peloton, race draft, and they will get to test their limits in one of the world’s most renowned cycling events. We can also expect to see more talents emerging from this event,” he said.

As L’Étape by Tour de France is synonymous among cyclists around the world, the L’Étape Malaysia ambassador expressed that hosting the second largest L’Étape event thus far helps put the country on the world map.

“As it’s being held in Malaysia for the first time, we should be proud that we are now part of the global L’Étape calendar.

“I believe we have so much to share with people from around the world as our beautiful country is rich with culture, arts, heritage and local delicacies,” he added.

Fazlan, who was based in Europe between 2014 and 2016, returned to Malaysia to shift his focus away from international cycling championships and set his sights on setting up a bicycle retail store – Plan A – in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam.

With the store, he hopes to create a cycling community of his own and share his experience and expertise with local enthusiasts.

“I’ve always been into sports since I was a kid − I was a state runner in school.

“I only took up cycling when I was studying for my diploma because it was a convenient way for me to get around campus.

“But I enjoyed cycling so much that I got hooked into an illegal cycling race with friends. Before you know it, I found my way into legal cycling tournaments all over the country and abroad.

“I like the idea of racing because I get to travel the world and see everything from a different perspective. I’ve had the opportunity to compete in Europe, the United States, Mexico, South Korea and Japan, among others,” he said.

L’Étape Malaysia − with 4,700 registered participants – has been recorded as the world’s second largest L’Étape by Tour de France series event.

Having been organised in more than 20 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, China and France, Malaysia is the latest nation to host the prestigious event.

L’Étape Malaysia offers riders a choice of two routes − 140km and 60km − and the option to participate as solo riders or as team members.

The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Etape Malaysia and is participating in two teams sponsored by the Vinod Sekhar Foundation.

The Vibes is a PETRA News company which also publishes the Bahasa Malaysia portal Getaran. – The Vibes, June 1, 2022