Proton Renew Sponsorship of Cycling’s Le Tour de Langkawi

Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton has extended its deal with the 17th edition of Cycling’s Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).

To celebrate its 17th successful year, the national car manufacturer presented a mock key and the symbolic Blue Jersey to the organisers of the event at a brief ceremony at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya.

Proton has been a sponsor of the race for the last 16 years ever since it was first held in 1996.

This year’s sponsorship will be in the form of a fleet of vehicles, as well as technical support, maintenance, manpower and merchandise giveaways during the race cavalcade.

The Proton cavalcade is a procession of vehicles that will precede the main race convoy in promoting the tour. Proton vehicles to be used throughout the tour include variants of the Inspira and Saga, the Exora, Persona, Perdana and Satria Neo.

This is also the third consecutive year Proton will be sponsoring the Blue Jersey which will be worn by the tour’s overall sprint (points classification) leaders and eventual champion.

Proton group marketing, branding and motorsports director John D. Chacko, said: “Le Tour de Langkawi provides Proton with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our range of vehicles not only to the local audience, but also the international riders, teams, officials and television viewers who will be following the race.

“In line with our ‘Commitment to be Better’ brand promise, we hope that our continued support of major international events being organised in the country will contribute not only towards promoting tourism but in elevating Malaysia’s status internationally.”

LTdL 2012 has attracted a total of 120 cyclists representing 22 local and top international professional teams who will compete in a grueling 1414.8km over 10 days.

This year’s race will also see the teams being flagged at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam for the sixth stage which is a challenging 108km charge to the peak of Genting Highlands.