Tour de Langkawi want WorldTour status

And this year the Tour de Langkawi, starting February 24, celebrates the third anniversary of its partnership with BikePure in the fight against doping in cycling.

With a new tagline 'Ready For the World', the 17th edition in 2012 will be one that organisers hope showcases the race's readiness to become part of the UCI WorldTour series.

Andy Layhe, co-founder of Bike Pure said the event is helping to keep the fight against drugs at the forefront of conversations about the sport.

“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership to the Tour de Langkawi," he said

"For the race organisers to show their support for our ethical sporting and anti-doping message means a great deal to us and their commitment to Bike Pure speaks volumes in relation to race organisers who are willing to send a clear, concise message that they won't tolerate or condone cheating in their event

“The Tour de Langkawi is growing in stature each year and it is a pleasure to be associated with such a prolific event on cycling's world stage.

LTdL 2012 officials and staff will wear a specially commissioned Le Tour de Langkawi ‘Ready for the world’ Bike Pure wristband to show their affiliation. The wristbands will also be handed out to teams, officials and riders alike at the event.

LTdL2012 chief operating officer, Emir Abdul Jalal is delighted with the partnership.

“Major events like Le Tour de Langkawi are put together at a great expense and no organizer wishes to see their event tarnished with a doping scandal," he said.

 Sponsors emphasize on positive media attention, and one single rider could destroy all this investment.

“Being the first major Asian event this year to fully partner Bike Pure again, we feel responsible to continue this effort and set an example for all other events regardless of big or small to support fair competition and a drug-free sport.”

LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams including two ProTour teams Garmin-Barracuda and Astana ProTeam.

The race currently maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour.

The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).