News for January 29

Following the Tour de Langkawi, real time

By Steve Thomas in Kuala Lumpur

Downtown Kuala Lumpur Photo: © Steve Thomas

There is no doubting that the Tour de Langkawi is one of the most unusual, fascinating, and spectacular bike races on the planet. It's the best that cycling has to offer outside of the major tours and classics, but with a distinct twist; it takes place in Malaysia, a country totally unaware of mainstream cycling culture and its reserves.

Following this race in person is an amazing experience. The atmosphere is truly captivating, and so refreshing. If you do have a chance to get to Malaysia for this year's event here are a few pointers to help you get the most from the experience.

Travel

Most major airlines fly to Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysian Airlines possibly offering the best direct services from English speaking countries. Availability is quite good at this time of year, though Chinese New Year follows on from the race, which does mean busy flights for a week or so.

KLIA (International Airport) is an hour's drive south of the city centre. Air-conditioned shuttle busses run either from KLCC or the airport or to other key stage finishes (Malacca & Genting). Car hire is also available directly from the airport, but is not particularly cheap. Check out www.hawkrac.com

Accommodation

Accommodation is quite inexpensive and abundantly available all over Malaysia; apart from in KL and Genting, where budget accommodation is rare. Costs are extremely low compared to none Asian countries, but higher than in other countries in the region. Standards of service and cleanliness are high too.

Spectating highlights

Friday February 1 - Putrajaya prologue: the prologue is always a great way to see the leading riders in full flight. Seconds are vital in this race, and you should be treated to a fine battle between potential overall race winners. Putrajaya and Cyberjaya are just south of KL, and effectively for Malaysia's answer to Silicon Valley.

Monday February 4 - Frasers Gap: this stage sees the races first serious climb - that being the 25km first category climb over Frasers Gap, which is few hours north of KL. This is where the hopefuls for overall honours are likely to try their hand, though the finish is in Bentong, still another 50 miles from the summit.

Tuesday February 5 - Malacca: a bunch sprint is all but inevitable on this stage from Bangi to Malacca. That's exciting in itself, but it's the backdrop of Malacca city which makes this stage so special. This is the country's former capital, and is a gem of colonial architecture.

Genting Highlands Photo: © Steve Thomas

Saturday February 9 - Genting Highlands: Without a doubt this is the toughest stage of the race. Undoubtedly this is where the overall standings will be finalized. The climb to Genting is a 25 km beast; comparable to anything the great tours have to offer. Either get a coach to the resort at the summit, or hop on the cable car from mid way to the top. The final kilometre is absolutely amazing to see.

Sunday February 10 - KL Criterium: the race may well be decided by the time the final stage comes around, but the KLCC criterium is not to be missed. The racing will be fast and furious, but here it's the atmosphere and the venue that are the key factors. Huge multi racial crowds turn out to cheer the riders on as they race around some of the city's finest architecture.