KUALA LUMPUR: Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) will start tomorrow without two-time defending champions Team Sapura Cycling on the start line in what is a massive blow to Malaysian hopes.
But for the neutral fan, their absence is unlikely to take much shine off what is the strongest lineup the race has seen in years with the inclusion of six WorldTeam squads in the mix.
Sapura have been barred from competing in the race by the UCI for being late in making a payment of 3,500 Swiss francs (RM16,304) to the world body as part of their commitment towards the UCI-enhanced anti-doping programme.
Teams need to complete an acknowledgement form - which Sapura had done in November last year - as well as make payment at least two months before competing in an UCI ProSeries event.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) vice president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said UCI's firmness on the matter must be respected.
MNCF are the rights holders of LTdL while the race is organised by Human Voyage Sdn Bhd. The event was postponed a number of times this year before settling on its current dates.
"MNCF had tried to appeal to UCI - both in writing and verbally - but ultimately it is out of our hands because this matter involves a number of different parties including the International Testing Agency (ITA)," said Amarjit when contacted.
"When it comes to matters pertaining to anti-doping, UCI are very strict and will not make any exemptions. We support their anti-doping stance and believe it must be respected by all parties.
"The uncertainty aspect (due to the pandemic) was also a factor and we are not sure when the organisers had sent the confirmed invitation letter to Sapura.
"This whole issue should serve as a reminder to all teams who have the intent to compete in ProSeries events that they must be aware of what is required for them to compete.
"We cannot force them to enrol in the programme, it is up to them to be proactive.
"ProSeries events are just a step down from WorldTour events and can feature up to eight WorldTeam squads in each race.
"WorldTeams are subject to very strict anti-doping protocols which is why continental teams also need to be enrolled in the enhanced-anti doping programme when they compete in ProSeries events."
Amarjit, however, remains confident that the race will be one of the most exciting in recent years due to the strength of the field.
The six WorldTeams are UAE Team Emirates, Lotto Soudal, Cofidis, EF Education-EasyPost, Movistar and Astana-Qazaqstan.
"Obviously it is a pity that Sapura, as defending champions, will not be on the start line of LTdL this year," said Amarjit.
"But to be frank, I think the race will still be very exciting and challenging because it is the last race on the road racing calendar this year.
"All of the WorldTeams competing will be pushing to earn as many ranking points as possible to ensure that they can retain their eligibility for the WorldTour events next season.
"It would have been nice to be able to see Sapura racing alongside such a strong field. However, we still have Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) and I would not be surprised if Harrif Saleh can spring a surprise or two.
"It all depends on how well TSG support him and how they strategise. They know these roads very well and that should play to their advantage."
Harrif is in fine form at the moment having finished on the podium three times at the Tour of Taiwan (UCI2.1) last week. The Kuala Terengganu-born sprinter is a three-time LTdL stage winner - the most any Malaysian has won.
The competition this year is set to cover a total distance of 1,183 kilometres, flagging off in Kuala Pilah and ending at Langkawi.
Stages:
Stage 1: Kuala Pilah to Kuala Lumpur 157.3km
Stage 2: Kuala Klawang to Raub 178.9km
Stage 3: Putrajaya to Genting Highlands 123.7km
Stage 4: Sabak Bernam to Meru Raya 137.9km
Stage 5: Kuala Kangsar to Kulim 172.0km
Stage 6: Georgetown to Alor Setar 120.8km
Stage 7: Kuah to Gunung Raya 90.8km
Stage 8: Langkawi Island loop 115.9km
ROAD CLOSURES
THERE will be road closures and traffic diversions today in Kuala Lumpur to facilitate Stage 1 of Le Tour de Langkawi.
The road closures will be done in stages.
Stage 1 will start in Kuala Pilah and will end at Kuala Lumpur City Centre on Oct 11.
The roads affected by the closures are Jalan Ampang (from 10am to 6pm) and Jalan P. Ramlee (from 3pm to 5pm).
Members of the public are advised to plan their movement early, use alternative routes or public transport and adhere to instructions by traffic police.