LE Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race has become the latest victim of Covid-19.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) yesterday announced that LTdL, originally scheduled for Jan 30-Feb 6, will not be held next year.
This is the first time the iconic race will not be organised since LTdL made its debut in 1996.
MNCF president Datuk Abu Samah Wahab said a unanimous decision was made to cancel next year's edition and have it in 2022.
MNCF, together with the sports ministry and race organiser Human Voyage Sdn Bhd, held a meeting on Monday to discuss the fate of the race.
"A unanimous decision was made (Monday) and I believe this is the best for all parties involved," said Abu Samah.
"There were many factors which had to be considered by everyone involved and I believe this (cancellation) was the most pragmatic decision.
"MNCF, as LTdL rights holders, will inform and provide the UCI with a detailed explanation (on cancellation of 2021 race).
"This will be done promptly to ensure that all teams, which had been invited to the race, can do the necessary.
"I believe that the UCI will accept our explanation, considering the difficult circumstances we are all facing at the moment."
Prior to the decision to cancel the tour, Abu Samah said there were attempts to move the race to September 2021 though it was a not a practical solution.
"Coincidentally, Jelajah Malaysia is also scheduled for September next year, so it would be hard to get a suitable date for LTdL from UCI," added Abu Samah.
"Under such circumstances, the organisers would also find it hard to get the elite teams to compete in the race."
The decision to cancel the UCI ProSeries race next year is hardly a surprise as Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Malaysia.
LTdL defending champions Team Sapura Cycling had last week stated that they would prefer that the race be either postponed or cancelled.