Lekas Highway Ride️ 2018 – Review by Gus Rider
Editor’s Note
CONGRATULATIONS to all the Crew, Organisers & Volunteers of Lekas Highway Ride 2018 (LHR2018) who worked tirelessly around-the-clock to present another gala cycling event which is arguably the Best & Biggest Mass Participation Ride in Malaysia. I will explain below what makes the Lekas Highway Ride a big hit among the local cycling community, as well as with some international riders.
Let’s not forget to forget to thank PDRM who helped to redirect the motorists on the affected public roads connecting to the closed Lekas Highway.
It was a privilege for me to have covered this prestigious LHR 2018 over the months prior to, and on race night, and I hoped you have enjoyed my updates and reports.
Alas, this is my final posting on Lekas Highway Ride 208 before I reluctantly close this memorable chapter in order to pursuit the next batch of sporting adventures, and as always, you’re welcome to join me on an exciting & action packed sporting journey!
🛣️ 🚴🏼♂️💨Event | RHB Shimano Lekas Highway Ride️
🌜History | 4th Night Series (2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015)
Date | 18 August 2018
Venue | LEKAS Highway (Kajang Toll)
Distance | 120km, 78km, 17km & 12km
Flag Off | 8pm onwards
Total Riders | 4,500 +/-
Co-Organisers | Lekas Highway & GoSportz
NEW RECORDS
This year, we witnessed a positive growth in the number of participants which had hit a new high of 4,500 riders, and I suspect many of them are repeat customers. Fortunately, the kajang toll race venue, and the Lekas Highway can easily accommodate the massive crowds so far.
Having said that, any increase in the Total of Participants will necessarily require more coordination and resources in order to maintain the high standard & quality required by all the major event sponsors and the participating cyclists.
NEW DISTANCE
The increase to 120 KM from 105 KM for the top distance has really increased the level of riding difficulty noticeably which in turn raises the riding skill requirements to complete the race in good time. For novice riders, the 78 KM distance makes it a good distance to hone their skills and confidence before tackling the ultimate 120 KM distance. At the same time, the 78 KM distance can also appeal to those competent riders who don’t want to push themselves too far.
UNBEATABLE SAFETY STANDARDS
Yet again, we must thank IJM & Lekas Highway for being the venue host, and giving cyclists the rare opportunity to ride safely on a fully closed and lit toll highway which is totally free from any motorised vehicles.
Kudos to Gosportz Team for looking after the riders safety throughout the race, by providing adequate medic support and many water stations stocked with water, isotonic drinks, bananas & buns. Moreover, GoSportz made sure everyone, including the LAST rider returned safely to the Finish Point.
PRO RIDERS APPEARANCE
TSG Pro Team (Mohd Zamri Saleh, Goh Choon Huat, Mohd Hariff Saleh, Zulhilmie Arif & Rosdi Mohd Umardi) were busy at the TSG booth signing autographs & lending support to this magnificent cycling event.
THRILLING CYCLING FUNFARE
There were many sponsors booths and food trucks at the race venue to occupy the crowd of cyclists and spectators before the flag-offs.
After the race, the cyclists were treated to tantalising satay, apam balik, ice-cream and thirst-quenching beverages.
QUALITY EVENT WITH MASS APPEAL
For amateur cyclists, cycling teams and fun riders of all ages, the Lekas Highway Ride is a not-to-be-missed annual cycling event.
The Organising Committee did a fabulous job in making this a highly thrilling extravaganza for the Participants from the Cycling Carnival during the race kit collection to the race day itself.
The Sponsors were generous in their goodie bag gifts to each participant of quality cycling jerseys, cool sports water bottle and a stylish bandana.
From the participants point of view, all key aspects of this event, from event registration to kit collection and ultimately to the night race were well managed and everything possible was planned and executed to ensure that the race participants experienced a most enjoyable and memorable cycling event like never before.
BECOMING A CYCLING TRADITION
The bar has been set very high by RHB Shimano Lekas Highway Ride in 2018, and the cycling community is already looking forward to more glorious toll highway rides in the future.
SEEKING REVENGE
As for me, I will hope to return next year stronger, so that I can eventually conquer the new 120km route. This time, I only managed to complete 97km due to leg cramps, before the passing motorbike marshal put me out of my misery by saying, “there’s a sweeper truck coming soon…”
ELATED ELITE CHAMPIONS
The hard work and training paid-off for these winning riders who won a trophy & cash prizes in their respective categories :-
- 120KM Men Open Champion – Mustazlee Bin Ishak
- 120KM Women Open Champion – Chelsie
- 120KM Men Veteran Champion – Tsen Seong Hoong
- 120KM Corporate Champion – Team Lekas
- 78KM Men Open Champion – Ng Yong Li
- 78KM Women Open Champion – Mariana Mohammad
- 78KM Men Veteran Champion – Liew Kuan Lim
- 78KM Young Adult (Boys) Champion – Muhammad Abdul Hisham
- 78KM Young Adult (Girls) Champion – Chan Mun Yi
Top 10 Live Action by Gus Rider
120km Flag Off From Inside Pen
Race Timings ⏱️ ↙️
*Disclaimer*
To the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided herein is accurate at the time of publishing and the views expressed are based on my own personal opinions and findings, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Product Manufacturer, Event Organiser or any Third Party unless explicitly specified otherwise.
About The Author
Gus Ghani is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach, and Magazine Columnist. He has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia Magazine, and Cycling Malaysia Magazine. LIKE Happy Runner for RUNNING UPDATES, Gus Rider for CYCLING NEWS, Gus Ghani for SPORTS INFOTAINMENT and FOLLOW gusghani @IG for LIFESTYLE.
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