Sungai Petani:Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari expressed his desire for the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race to continue including the Gunung Jerai climbing route in its future editions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohammed Taufiq highlighted the route's debut this year as an iconic addition in Kedah, bringing a new challenge for cyclists and generating significant enthusiasm among local fans. He expressed hopes that the excitement generated by these checkpoints could be maintained in the upcoming races.

During the flag-off ceremony for Stage 3 of the LTdL at Taman Jubli Perak, Dr Mohammed Taufiq remarked on the achievements of German cyclist Lennart Jasch, who won Stage 2 from Taiping to Gunung Jerai with a time of 3 hours, 37 minutes, and 21 seconds. Jasch's win marked a historic moment for the 25-year-old Tudor Pro Cycling Team rider.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq also noted that this year's LTdL, covering 1,285.5 kilometers, features three uphill finishes, including Gunung Jerai, Genting Highlands, and Cameron Highlands. He emphasized plans to refine and enhance the excitement and organizational aspects of the LTdL in the coming years. The event is also part of a collaboration with the Malaysia SEA Games Organizing Committee (MASOC) to promote the 2027 SEA Games.

The LTdL 2026 is set to conclude on October 4, with the eighth stage race from Muar to Putrajaya.