20 Teams To Vie For Glory At 22nd Edition Of LTdL

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Twenty teams from all continents are set to feature in the 22nd edition of Asia's prestigious cycling championship, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), from Feb 22 to March 1. LTdL chief executive officer Emir Abdul Jalal said he was delighted to see more teams taking part in this year's edition despite facing competition from other organisers after the World Tour events was expanded to 37 events. He said Asian teams make up the largest contingent in this year's edition with 12 teams on the start list, adding a number from 2016 edition. "We don’t forget our roots..Le Tour de Langkawi is Asia’s premier cycling race. It’s the oldest UCI (International Cycling Union) H.C. stage race on this continent," he said in a statement issued Tuesday. "With all the requests we received, we could have filled up the start list with European teams only but we believe it’s our duty to give priority to the Asian cyclists. "For them, it’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge the teams from the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia,” Emir added. Defending champions Dimension Data of South Africa who are the World Tour team is set to spearhead the pro challenge alongside four Italian teams -- Bardiani CSF, Androni Giocattoli, Nippo-Vini Fantini and debutant Willier Triestina. Unitedhealthcare Professional Cycling Team of the United States are also making their return to the Malaysian shores plus debutant, Manzana Postobon Team of Colombia. "This is the former team of Nairo Quintana and Esteban Chaves and the former sponsor of the pioneers of Colombian cycling in the 80s. We’re delighted to have them as Le Tour de Langkawi always has a large number of followers in Colombia through social media and TV networks," Emir said. The teams presentation of the 2017 LTdL will be held on Feb 21 before proceeding with the eight-stage races, covering a total distance of 1,225km. TEAMS: ------- Dimension Data (RSA), Androni Giocattoli, Willier Triestina, Bardiani CSF, Nippo-Vini Fantini (ITA), Unitedhealthcare Professional Cycling Team (USA), Manzana Postobon Team (COL), IsoWhey Sports Swisswellness (AUS), Vino-Astana Motors (KAZ), Aisan Racing Team (JAP) Terengganu Cycling Team, Team Sapura Cycling and Malaysia National Team (MAS), KSPO Bianchi Asia Pro Cycling (KOR), Giant Cycling Team and Keyi Look Cycling Team (CHN), 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines (PHI), Thailand Continental Cycling Team (THA), Infinite AIS Cycling Team (SIN), KFC Cycling Team (INA). -- BERNAMA