Malaysian federation to run Langkawi

By Anthony Tan

With the once debt-ridden race saved by the government at the eleventh hour, management of the next year's Tour de Langkawi has been the talking point in recent weeks.

On Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, with the full executive council of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) present, it was unanimously agreed they should organise the 2007 race, to be held from February 2-11. The Malaysian government shall remain as owners.

The executive council also agreed that the MNCF has the mandate to contract a number of experts previously involved with the race, which precludes incumbents First Cartel and Red Revolution. However, Cyclingnews has learned this does include Alan Rushton, director of UK-based company The Events Group, who held the title of Race Controller from 1998-2004, and Datuk Wan Lokman, race owner during this same period.

Going forward, the Malaysian cycling federation will soon present the 2007 Tour de Langkawi budget to the steering committee, comprising the Ministry of Youth & Sports, the Ministry of Tourism and representatives of the MNCF. Route details are also said be near completion, and teams are due to receive their invitations around the same time.