KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) yesterday announced the names of 14 riders who will represent the country in the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) scheduled for Feb 9-15.

From the 14 riders listed, seven would represent the national team (Malaysia) while another seven will spearhead the MCF Continental Team challenge.

“The selection of the 14 (12 first team riders and two reserves) was made from the 24 riders who had gone three phases of trials for the past few days,” national team manager Amrun Misnoh told reporters here yesterday.

Amrun said the riders were tested on their individual performance, ability to work as a team, physical and mental conditions while the National Sports Institute (ISN) tested their fitness level.

“MNCF feels riders had undergone the best form of preparations this year compared with previous years due to the support and coordination from the National Sports Council (NSC) and ISN,” he said.

Amrun said from the 12 first team riders, MNCF hope a rider can win one of the seven stages, especially the 221km fourth stage from Melaka to Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.

“As for the national team, we are hoping that Anuar Manan who finished second in the Sprint (Green Jersey) last year, can go one better by clinching the Green jersey,” he said.

He added that MNCF had placed hopes on the MCF Continental Team winning the best team in Asia title and place themselves among the top 15 teams in the overall classification.

“Starting Monday, both teams will undergo a two-week intensive training stint in Genting Highlands as the final phase of preparations,” he said.

The 14th edition of the LTdL would comprise of seven stages featuring 20 teams in the tour that starts in Putrajaya and culminate into the Criterrium race in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

The Tour, awarded the Hors status by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), is organised by MNCF with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and sanctioned by the Asian Cycling Confederation.

— Bernama