Cycling race organisers must find own fund - Khairy

Cycling race organisers should not expect the government to bail them out if they face financial problems, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

"They should not forever expect government assistance. On the other hand, they should independently seek funds to finance races they want to organise.

"For this reason, I asked the organiser of Malaysia Tour whether they are really ready to organise the Tour of Malaysia 2016 (JM2016) race," he told reporters after launching the 52nd JM2016 here, Thursday.

The JM2016, on Oct 18 to 22, would involve five stages covering 750.2km with a participation of 120 racers from 20 teams.

Referring to the organisation of the race, Khairy said the organiser Peloton Resources, had informed him that they were prepared to bear the cost.

"Previously, the Tour of Malaysia faced debts and KBS (Youth and Sports Ministry) had pitched in to help solve them. In fact, KBS had given the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) RM200,000 to settle debts over the organising of Malaysia Tour last year.

"I hope last minute problems will not occur this year as had happened to the race in Sarawak recently which had to be cancelled due to lack of financial support. One has to have strong financial backing to carry out such a large event like that, and don't bank only on the government," he said.

Khairy admitted the ministry was forced to take over the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) at one time due to financial problems.

"The core business of KBS is not organising events, rightly we (KBS) use the allocation available for athletes' development and event organisation should be done by the private sector," he said.

Meanwhile, JM2016 organiser and Peloton Resources chairman, Mohamad Yusri Ismail said he had to made a brave decision to go on with the organisation of the oldest cycling event in the country.

"I endeavour to make a bold decision this year to find my own sponsors without hoping for government handout. We have enough financial sources but are still looking for sponsors. Until to date, we have six sponsors," he said.

On the issue of debts from the organisation of the race last year, Mohamad Yusri said the problem was being solved in stages.

"I was not the chairman. I am making a bold step to try and solve the problems of the old debts," he said.

Mohamad Yusri also gave his assurance to all the teams taking part in JM2016 that it would take place without a hitch. -- Bernama