KOTA TINGGI – The success of the L’Étape Malaysia amateur race tournament by Tour de France today has brought an economic spillover of RM13 million to Johor, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today.
He confirmed that the international tournament, co-organised by Muse Group Asia and Sports Johor Sdn Bhd, had a positive impact for the host state.
The event also received around 10,000 visitors, including the racers and their families over the weekend.
“I’m really grateful. This is a huge success for us, and I have the organisers to thank. Johor is going back to normal in terms of international events.
“This will not be the only programme organised here as there will be another major event to be hosted in Desaru Coast, which is the Half Ironman,” he said at the press conference here.
The Ironman event Onn Hafiz referred to is the Desaru Coast Multisport Festival happening on July 23 and 24.
In the following months, he added, Johor will be hosting a spartan race at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
Meanwhile, The Vibes’ sports team also spoke to first-time L’Étape Malaysia participants about their race today.
Shah Alam resident Wan Musaddiq Yahya, 28, told The Vibes that he joined the 140km race to gain experience and was grateful for the professionalism of the organiser.
“I have to admit it was torture for me. I had a flat tire while riding but I’m glad that the organiser did a very good job in helping me.”
British national Aimee Pink, 29, who currently resides in Singapore also said this was her first cycling race, yet she decided to opt for the 140km route as she hoped that the race could prepare her to participate in an Ironman event.
“I’ve been trying to go out, do some hills because Singapore is quite flat (terrain-wise), so we can get ready for our next race. Today’s experience has been amazing, although I didn’t know what to expect, and I loved every minute of it.”
As for Terry Tan, 33, who has been residing in Johor and working in Singapore, he took the opportunity to practice in Desaru before the event day despite being a novice but found the weather to be a challenge.
“The weather was good when we started. But then it rained for a while, then it became hot.
“I just wanted to finish the race. I also love the view and the energy supplements the organisers provided.”
The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Étape Malaysia and is participating with 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 4, 2022
