L’Étape Malaysia: cycling clinic shares top tips for race preparation

KUALA LUMPUR – In conjunction with L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France, a cycling clinic was held to help participants prepare for the race, which will take place on June 4 at Desaru Coast, Johor.

The cycling clinic serves as a platform to share information about the safety, exercises as well as health aspects in preparation for the race.

Azman Fahmi Osman, who is responsible for mobilising L’Étape’s marketing campaign for organiser Muse Group Asia – highlighted the importance for participants to be equipped with the basic information about cycling before going for a long-distance ride.

“The clinic is not just for first-timers, but seasoned cyclists too. It’s like a refresher course for everyone so that they could avoid any unwanted incidents from happening among the cyclists.

“We also briefed them about road safety. When you ride with thousands of other people, we want to make sure their bikes meet the safety standard,” he told The Vibes.

Furthering on the safety of the participants, Azman added that L’Étape Malaysia is also partnering with Etiqa General Insurance Berhad – a joint partner with Hong Kong’s YAS MicroInsurance – so that riders and their bicycles will be insured during their ride.

‘Conserve your energy: Olympian Adiq Husainie Othman’

During the clinic, L’Étape Malaysia ambassador Adiq Husainie Othman shared that the most common mistake an amateur makes during a race is accelerating at full speed in the first hour.

This not only increased their heart rate tremendously but they would be drained of energy even before reaching the end of the line.

“You’ll be riding for hours coupled with long-distance and challenging terrain – long and narrow. The sun will be above your head and strong wind coming from the coast. As such, your energy needs to be consistent throughout.

“Make sure that you have enough training for the sake of your safety and others.

“Look for similar routes as Desaru Coast for your training. For example, you could opt for routes in Langat or Genting Sempah. These places have flat surfaces and rolling roads.

Adiq, who is also an Olympian and former professional racing cyclist, added that 20 mechanics from bike retail shop Cyclomotion will be on standby to help riders with any bicycle-related maintenance a day before the event.

‘Nutrients to consume pre-, during, and post-event: Garmin Run Club Head Coach Mohd Akashah Izhar’

Similarly, cyclists should pay equal attention to a balanced diet, at least three to four days leading up to the event by adopting the “quarter quarter half” meal intake guide.

Garmin Run Club Head Coach Mohd Akashah Izhar told The Vibes, “Fill a quarter of your dining plate with good sources of protein, another quarter with quality carbohydrates, and the other half to be filled with vegetables and fruits as it helps maintain your performance during the race.

“However, I would advise against spicy food as it might upset your stomach, but sugar is okay because it will burn during the race.

“During the race, take a power bar. It contains a lot of nutrition from ingredients such as dates and nuts which are high in iron and magnesium. They help boost your immune system and performance rate higher.”

Expecting the weather in Desaru Coast to be more humid, Akashah advised riders to take electrolyte drinks for hydration.

For quick recovery after the race, consume protein drinks such as chocolate milk, protein shake or OPI protein drink as the muscles will absorb the nutrients much faster before going for a massage or an ice bath.

The information presented during the clinic will also be shared with the rest of the participants who could not make it to the event.

With nearly 5,000 registered participants, L’Étape Malaysia has been recorded as the world’s second-largest L’Étape by Tour de France series event.

It 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, May 23, 2022.