News for February 8

What's happening on Tour?

By Tommy Campbell in Johor Bahru

Jerard Stock Photo ©: LTDL

Stocky manager

Jerard Stock is manager of the Telekom Malaysia team and presently he is well in control of his team. "They are a great bunch of guys and the spirit amongst them is great. I am one of the unique managers on the event who will go back to the day job when the race finishes," said Jerard.

Speaking prior to the stage start in Maur he explained his background in the sport and the injury that forced him to quit as a competitor. He also played rugby and coached in Scotland, so maybe we should keep an eye on this guy before he gets other ideas about other sports.

Hunter the cricketer

He ain't half a good bike rider. But did you know that Robert Hunter likes to relax by reading a good novel. He is also interested in cricket, so we cycling fraternity should be grateful that he stuck his colours to the mast by taking up cycling at an early age.

Harp on Koji

Something unique happened at the race press conference after stage four. It was one of the oddest things to happen at a press conference in the history of LTDL since its inception in 1996. Koji Fukushima of Japan was so overcome with joy after donning the polka dot jersey that he enthralled his audience by taking a harmonica from his jacket and playing a tune.

Endurance

As the tour reached the half way mark it was noticeable that not only were the competitors suffering from the heat. It’s evident that the race officials are also suffering, mainly from the long working hours.

PR for sale

Amanda Barry who is looking after the international media is about to launch a book. PR Power is the title and should be a best seller for those interested in the business.

Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is Malaysia's third largest city and the gateway for tourists from the south. Each year, millions cross over into Johor Bahru via the causeway, a bridge that links the island of Singapore with peninsula Malaysia.

French touch

Cuisine on this year's Tour has an added attraction. The organisation brought in two chefs from Paris to oversee the preparation of food for the cyclists from mainland Europe. To date everybody is happy.

Timing transponders

Also another first is the timing device, which is being used courtesy of a Spanish timing company. Each bike is fitted with a transponder on the front fork, which gives each competitor and the judges an accurate print out of their finishing position. The system has been used on the Vuelta and has been an instant success.