KUALA LUMPUR: Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) will implement new technologies this year, including bodycams for commissaires and push-to-talk on cellular (PTTOC) communication systems.
National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said the new PTTOC system will replace the old trunked radio system, normally used in races.
The tour will also be streamed live on TikTok this year.
"The bodycams will provide video footage which can be used as evidence should there be any incidents during the race," said Shapawi during a press conference in Bukit Jalil today.
"With the previous radio system, there tended to be blind spots (which caused interruptions). The new PTTOC system will help overcome those issues.
"Having the race streamed on TikTok will help us reach more viewers, especially among the younger generation.
"More than 46 videos have been uploaded on TikTok with more than 1.2 million views so far.
"These new technologies will help LTdL remain on par with other the (big) tours on the circuit."
The PTTOC system and bodycams, valued at RM260,000, are sponsored by Hangzhou-based Dahua Technology.
TikTok Malaysia is the official social media partner with their sponsorship valued at RM500,000. PACE was also presented as the official apparel and merchandise sponsor (worth RM550,000) for LTdL yesterday.
Shapawi added that several teams will arrive early in Malaysia to prepare for the race.
Among them are Green Project Bardiani-CSF Faizane (Italy), Team Corratec-Selle Italia (Italy), Bolton Equities Black Spoke Pro Cycling (New Zealand), Li Ning Star (China) and KSPO Professional (South Korea).
The race has attracted 22 teams. The eight-stage tour covers 1,277 kilometres across 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia.