Savings from organising LTdL 2015 to be used for cycling development: Khairy

Part of the RM9 million saved by the reduction in the cost of organising the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2015 will be used for the development of cycling programmes, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said the development programmes would start soon, focusing on programmes involving juniors and schools.

He said last year the Ministry had approved an allocation of RM19 million to organise the LTdL but the amount was reduced to RM10 million this year.

"I made the decision to use the money saved (RM9 million) to organise development programmes for cycling because the money saved was from cycling. Therefore it must be maintained for the benefit of cycling," he told reporters after the final stage of the LTdL 2015 at Dataran Merdeka, Sunday.

The prize presentation ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Khairy said the LTdL organised this year was a success although it involved a lower cost, due to the privatization of the host job.

"The performance of our riders was also good. Not too bad because there were a number of podium finishes and that is an improvement for the country's cycling development.

"We must set an objective target of winning the Best Asian team title because we have hosted and participated in the race for 20 years and have not won the title," he added.