News for February 5

What's happening on tour?

By Tommy Campbell in Bentong, Malaysia

Ride with Tafi

Andrea Tafi's host of Malaysian fans will be delighted to hear that the Mapei superstar is to lead a special 'Ride With The Gladiator Tafi' testimonial ride at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on February 10, immediately before the Tour de Langkawi's final stage. This is the 35-year old Italian's fourth appearance in the Malaysian Tour and, with his retirement from active racing on the horizon, he says it will be his last.

Some 500 fans are expected to take part in the ride, which will be jointly organised by First Cartel (Malaysia) the Tour de Langkawi 2002 organisers, and Mapei Malaysia.

Pay the fines

Drivers of all vehicles in this year's Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi have been forewarned that they will have to settle themselves any police summonses issued to them during the event. This is in view of last year's experience whereby a number of summonses were issued (mainly for speeding offences) where the organisers ended up footing the bill. All drivers, including journalists, will have to cough up their own cash.

Live TV

As of today until the end of LTDL, sports enthusiasts and cycling fans will get to watch the tour live on television. This will be the first time that a cycling event of international level has been aired live on television in Asia. A workforce of 100 technicians will be involved in the live coverage while three helicopters will be utilised for production work.

Tour Personality - Mario Aerts (Lotto-Adecco)

Being one of the top teams with big programmes, Mapei has always been considered as the overwhelming favourite to fly home with the major honours. However, Mario Aerts is one of the cyclists who reckon that this will be the year for Lotto Adecco. The Belgian who is among the big names in this year's event is leading the Lotto challenge here.

"I'll be going all out on the climb up to Genting Highlands," said Mario who was placed 27th overall in last year's Tour de France. This is Mario's first visit to Malaysia and he intends going back home with a significant prize.

Music festival

Last evening the town of Ipoh was turned into a festival of music with top names from the Malaysian music industry taking part. Whilst it was obvious that none of the competing cyclists were in attendance, there was quite a number of officials present to augment the thousands that turned out on a cool and balmy evening in the centre of Ipoh.

Public interest

It was obvious on the fourth stage from Tapah to Bentong to the tour personnel that the number of children lining the route, courtesy of their teachers, exceeded all expectations. It is particularly hard to gauge how the big cavalcade is going down with the public, but the participants are very pleased with the interest that is being shown at stage starts and finishes.

Japanese aggression pays off

Kouji Fukushima Photo ©: Yuzuru Sunada

Kouji Fukushima the 28-year old Japanese competitor who since day one has been active at the head of the peloton finally reaped the rewards with a magnificent performance on yesterday's tough stage from Tapah to Bentong.

Vestöl on the up

Last year, Björnar Vestöl was a late call up to Le Tour when the Irish cyclist, Ciaran Power decided to fore go participation. Bjorn rode for Telekom Malaysia All Stars at two days notice. Since that day his fortunes have come good. He is now a member of Team Fakta and the future in the peloton looks assured for this Norwegian for many years to come.

Radio Tour

The voice of Radio Tour belongs to Chris Naylor a member of the Cleverly Road Club in England. Co-incidentally when he retired from racing with a win in his final race he developed his skill with the microphone. He regularly gets plaudits for his work in keeping everybody up to speed with the race on the road.