Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge 2011 Attracts World-class Field
Press Release / 25.08.2011
The prestigious Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge – the Tropical Rainforest Challenge 2011, has attracted a world-class field, with more than 20 nationalities expected to descend upon the legendary island in October.Asia’s current Mountain Bike champion, the United States’ top Junior rider, the Elite men’s defending champion, a former European champion, and the Elite women’s world number 12 are among those who will saddle up for the race on Oct 17-23.
Organisers of LIMBC 2011, Human Voyage (M) Sdn Bhd, also announced the partnership with Telekom Malaysia Berhad and Yayasan Al-Bukhary as gold sponsors, with Sapura Group, Genting Malaysia Berhad, Perdana University and Berjaya Corporation as silver sponsors.
Human Voyage CEO, Datuk Malik Mydin, said the second edition of LIMBC promises to be an unforgettable affair.
“With many top riders from Europe having confirmed their participation, we expect LIMBC 2011 to reaffirm its status as the ultimate race in Asia,†he said during the Sponsors Announcement and Press Conference of the LIMBC at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here today. LIMBC’s Honorary Patron, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, officiated the event.
Dr Mahathir said the event was important as a tool to attract tourists to Langkawi.
“It is important to have an event such as this in Langkawi as a tool to promote the islands to tourists. With the anticipated huge media interest and coverage, we hope to have more tourists coming over to the island.
“The publicity that LIMBC is expected to generate will help in attracting tourists, instead of having to pay a massive amount to have promotional clips broadcast all over the world,†said Dr Mahathir.
Top elite team, Team Colnago Farbe Sudtirol boasts World No 12 Nathalie Schneitter, winner of the Champery leg of the World Cup series last year. Nathalie will be accompanied by Swiss champ, Vivienne Meyer.
Inaugural winner, Lachlan Norris, will be eager to defend his elite men’s title while United States’ No 1 Under-23 rider, Russell Finsterwald, will represent the Subaru Trek team.
German-based Team Bulls will include former European champion Thomas Dietsch of France and German three time Cape Epic champ, Karl Platt.
Completing the stellar line-up of teams are Team Bridgestone Anchor of Japan which boasts an impressive lineup including Mountain Bike cross country three time Asian champion, Kohei Yamamoto and MTN Qhubeka of South Africa.
Team Qhubeka will also include multiple South African mountain bike champ Yolande Speedy and Paul Cordes. Three-time South African mountain bike champ Yolande represented South Africa in the Beijing Olympics three years ago. Cordes comes with the distinction of having won the the ABSA Cape Epic in 2007 and as well as coming 19th overall in the men’s category of the 2011 edition.
