KOTA TINGGI – Tour de France’s premier event outside of France − the L’Étape bicycle race for amateurs − will be held at the Desaru Coast here on June 4.
With 4,000 cyclists from Malaysia and abroad participating, the competition is significant as it marks the return of major events to Malaysia after the Covid-19 pandemic all but obliterated the sports, tourism and events industry.
Newly-minted Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who launched L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France today, said the two-day event is expected to generate about RM14 million for the state’s economy.
“This would be a landmark programme to prove that Johor is now open for business and we welcome everyone to Desaru Coast − one of our premium tourist destinations.
“I wish to see Johor as a sporting nation. Other than working and earning a living, we have to promote a healthy lifestyle as this is vital for our wellbeing now that we are moving from a pandemic to an endemic phase,” he told a press conference later.
L’Étape Malaysia offers two route options − 140km and 60km − and covers five categories for both distances, namely individual men, individual women, men’s team, women’s team as well as mixed team.
The event is expected to bolster tourism and spin-off industries in the scenic Desaru Coast, which features integrated coastal routes, globally renowned hotels and resorts, two championship golf courses and an adventure waterpark.
L’Étape Malaysia is targeted at new and seasoned cyclists and is open to local and international participants.
Organised by Muse Group Asia, its chief executive officer Riduwan Matni said that as of today, they have received roughly 3,012 participant registrations or 78% of its 4,000 target − making the Malaysia event the largest L’Étape to date.
“Malaysia is home to many amateur and seasoned cyclists. Following their response so far, it is a testament to the growing appetite for cycling in our country.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the beautiful Desaru Coast, where they will no doubt have a memorable experience with L’Étape Malaysia,” he added.
Co-organiser Sports Johor Sdn Bhd general manager Mohd Johari Tarmidi said the support from the cycling community has been overwhelming.
“It has always been our commitment to grow the sporting community in Johor and Malaysia and there is no better way than to bring L’Étape to our country,” he said.
L’Étape Malaysia is the only cyclo-sportive series that gives amateur cyclists the Tour de France experience and the opportunity to race like a Tour de France champion.
The series has been organised in more than 20 countries, such as Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and France, with Malaysia being the latest location to host the event.
Desaru Coast, Malaysia Airlines, Chek Hup and Johor Sports Council are among the main sponsors and partners of L’Étape Malaysia.
The Vibes is the official online media partner along with Tik Tok, which is the official social media platform.
Strategic partners include the French Embassy and CCI France Malaysia.
Datuk Zainul Ariffin, chief executive officer of Petra News, which publishes The Vibes and its sister Bahasa Malaysia portal Getaran, said being a part of L’Étape will help introduce The Vibes to a broader audience in the south.
“It is part of our commitment as a portal to be accessible to all and to be the news portal for all,” said Zainul, adding that The Vibes was launched in Kota Kinabalu to emphasise its position as a news organisation that is truly Malaysian.
Sanctioned by the Malaysia National Cycling Federation, registration for the event, which closes on May 4, can be done at www.letapemalaysia.com. – The Vibes, March 29, 2022
