L’Étape Malaysia organisers finalise preparations before tomorrow’s race

KOTA TINGGI – Organising an outdoor event is challenging but for the organisers of one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France, the preparations were done smoothly and professionally. 

Speaking to The Vibes, marketing head Azman Fahmi Osman said they are prepared for any outcome and will be constantly monitoring the weather condition for the safety of everyone. 

“The riders don’t need to worry. Our technical director will advise them on what to do and if the race needs to be cancelled. The marshals will be along the way to monitor them too. As long as there’s no thunderstorm,” he said. 

The race, which has been recognised by Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) as the world’s second-largest L'Étape by Tour de France series event, will receive nearly 5,000 local as well as foreign participants. 

Earlier today, the event organisers were hit with a downpour in the morning which delayed their final preparation before the race starts tomorrow at Desaru Coast, Johor. 

“It was actually a blessing because it brought down the temperature rather than us having to work under the hot sun, so we managed to keep up with our work and everything is running smoothly now. 

“We have put up signages filled with event-related information for the benefit of the participants, who have been coming in non-stop to collect their race kits. 

“We also have a few cyclists who went to the mechanics that we have set up for them here to tune their bikes, and repair and replace certain parts before the race tomorrow,” said Azman, who mobilises the marketing campaign for organisers Muse Group Asia. 

L’Étape Malaysia has registered a total of 4,673 participants and most of them are reported to be first-timers. 

Azman, who is also the former Malaysia Stadium Corporate chief executive officer, said that they have agreed with ASO to release four waves of cyclists tomorrow – two waves for 140km-route and two more for 60km-route.  

“We will be doing a rolling start where the safety car will lead the cyclists to ride at a predetermined safe speed. 

“Once the race conditions are ready, the safety car will speed up to indicate the cyclists to accelerate.” 

Meanwhile, the organisers have also received overwhelming support from the locals where over 100 volunteers showed up comprising students as well as working individuals from all over Johor.  

Azman added that it gives the perfect opportunity to the local community to get involved in a prestigious international event while experiencing a different culture. 

L’Étape Malaysia also showcases a variety of side events for the public through the setup of French Village which includes French language classes, pastry classes, music performances, movie screenings, and a Tour de France history walkthrough.  

Azman added that the event involved close to 500 personnel comprising the local police, cleaners, and other support staff.

The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Étape 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 3, 2022