Bukit Jalil – Experienced rider Muhammad Zawawi Azman is determined to make a significant impact on the 2024 Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as he returns to his former team, now known as the Malaysia Pro Cycling Team (MPC).
Zawawi, who has faced various challenges over the past year, sees his participation in MPC as a “second chance” to revive his career. He is determined to bring positive results to the team ahead of the prestigious LTdL race, which will take place from September 29 to October 6.
“As a local rider competing in our own country, I want to aim for a podium finish in this year’s LTdL,” Zawawi stated. “Regardless of winning stages or the best Malaysian or Asian rider category, I won’t waste the opportunities that come my way.”
With less than two weeks before LTdL 2024 kicks off, Zawawi and his teammates are undergoing final-stage training after competing in the Tour of Salalah in Oman recently.
“Our preparations for the LTdL are going well,” Zawawi said. “We’ve participated in several tournaments this year, including the Tour de Ijen in Indonesia and the Tour Trans-Himalaya and Tour of Hainan in China. These races will be among our best preparations.”
Zawawi expressed confidence in MPC’s ability to perform well in LTdL, highlighting the team’s strong combination of riders and their understanding of their respective roles.
The rider also expressed his gratitude to the National Cycling Federation of Malaysia (PKBM) for giving him the opportunity to represent the Malaysian national team at LTdL 2023.
“I saw my career as somewhat lost when the Sapura (TSC) team folded last year,” Zawawi explained. “Fortunately, I received trust from coach Mohd Yusof (Nasir) to represent the Malaysian team. This opportunity brought my career back to life.”
Joining Zawawi in MPC’s challenge at LTdL 2024 are Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah, Zulfikri Zulkifli, Muhammad Fahmi Khairul, Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil, and Muhammad Syawal Mazlin.
MPC, founded by former national cyclist Sayuti Zahit, has a strong history of success in LTdL. The team clinched the overall championship (Yellow Jersey) in both LTdL 2019 and 2020, as well as the Red Jersey (King of the Mountain) in 2020.
However, misfortune struck TSC when the continental team had to be disbanded in mid-last year due to a lack of sponsors, resulting in their absence from LTdL 2023.
Sayuti, now the Sports Director of MPC, quickly revived the team under a new name, officially establishing MPC in August last year.
You might also like: Young Malaysian Cyclist Zulhelmi Zainal to Lead Indonesian Team at LTdL 2024
The LTdL 2024 race, entering its 28th edition, consists of eight stages covering a total distance of 1,227.2 kilometers. Langkawi Island returns to the route this year, and the race will also feature two stages in Sarawak for the first time, in Miri and Bintulu.
