KUALA LUMPUR — As Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), Asia’s oldest cycling race, approaches its start on September 29, organisers are preparing to face potential weather challenges along Malaysia’s West Coast.
Abdul Rashid Yaakob, chairman of the LTdL organising committee and director-general of the National Sports Council (NSC), emphasised that they are closely monitoring the weather across all 10 states involved in the eight stages of this year’s race.
Three days ago, strong waves and storms forced three ferries carrying 610 passengers from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi to return to the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal.
Additionally, a ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, with 567 passengers, was stranded 0.5 nautical miles from the Kuala Perlis Terminal.
As a result, operations at the Kuala Kedah Passenger Terminal have been suspended for three days, effective today through Saturday, due to rough seas.
Langkawi, scheduled to host the first stage of the LTdL, will see riders covering a 96.5-km route around the island.
“For the LTdL, we are monitoring the weather closely every day, especially in Langkawi. There are concerns, as everyone is aware of the weather conditions on the West Coast and in several other areas where strong winds have caused ferry disruptions.
“We are quite worried, but we still have about nine to 10 days before the race begins, so we hope the weather improves and everything proceeds smoothly.
“Regardless, we will be prepared for any situation, and if anything happens, we will make slight adjustments to ensure the event can go ahead as planned,” said Rashid.
However, Rashid explained that while altering the race route at the last minute would be difficult, adjustments to race timings can be made depending on weather conditions, subject to approval from race commissaires.
“The route may be difficult to alter, but the competition timings can still be adjusted if necessary,” he added.
In May, the organisers announced a change to the fourth stage route, replacing the original path from Kuala Kubu Baharu to Genting with a new route to Bentong, spanning 148.9 km.
The decision was based on safety concerns due to ongoing road and slope improvements in Genting Highlands during the race period. — September 20, 2024