LANCE ARMSTRONG TO HELP PROMOTE LTDL 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- World cycling icon and seven times Tour
De France winner Lance Armstrong, is expected to be the biggest drawcard for
the Le
Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), scheduled from Feb 9-15 next year.

LTDL Chief Operations Officer Naim Mohamad said the move was an effort
to attract more tourists to Malaysia, in line with the government's initiative
to boost revenue through sports tourism.

"The 37 year-old rider from the United States will not be a rider but
instead will be involved in the promotion campaigns for the event and also to
promote awareness of cancer which almost derailed his cycling career," Naim told
Bernama here today.

Naim said apart from Armstrong, he had also invited his team, Astana, to
take part in the 14th edition of the LTDL, ranked a "hors classe" race by the
World cycling body (UCI).

"I hope to get a confirmation soon," said Naim who is also the Malaysian
National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president.

He added that the LTdL next year would only comprise seven stages compared
with 10 last year, in accordance with the trend set by other world class cycling
tour events.

"The current norm among world class cycling tour event organisers are seven
or eight stages because teams do not want to stay away from training camps for
too long," he said.

The LTdL started with 11 stages in 1996 but was increased to 12 from
1997-2001 before being reduced to 10 from 2002-2007.

"Next year we will also limit the number of teams to 20 which includes five
Pro Tour teams, compared with 25 for the 13th edition. We will also ensure that
teams from all continents are represented," he said.

Malaysia as host, would have three teams vying for honours - National team,
MNCF continental team and Le Tua.