L’Étape Johor 2023 by Tour de France at Desaru Coast

Hey cycling enthusiasts! L’Étape Malaysia is back with Tour De France race model from July 7-8 at the sun-kissed shores of Desaru Coast after a successful debut in Malaysia last year. This second edition features new upgrades including an advanced timing chip and a separate race-course for THE RACE (140km) & THE RIDE (60km) and a dedicated ELITE Category. L’Étape Johor 2023 by Tour de France at Desaru Coast. 

2023 L’Etape Johor officiation ceremony with State Officials, Organizers, Sponsors, Partners and athletes

4th Person From Left: Yang Berbahagia Encik Ts Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak, Director, Majlis Sukan Negeri Johor; Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Hajah Hazlina Binti Jalil, District Officer, Kota Tinggi; Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji ‘On Bin Jabbar@Ja’afar, Deputy State Secretary of Johor, Sports, Youth & Volunteerism; Yang Berhormat Tuan Mohd Hairi Bin Mad Shah, Chairman of the Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources; Yang Berhormat Dato’ Lukman Bin Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer, Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd, Penganjur Bersama L’Étape Johor by Tour De France; Yang Berbahagia Tuan Haji Suhairi Bin Haji Hashim, Director, Tourism Johor; Yang Berbahagia En. Riduwan Matni, Chief Executive Officer, Muse Group Asia, Penganjur Bersama L’Étape Johor by Tour De France

Dubbed “The World’s Greatest Amateur Cycling Event”, L’Étape by Tour de France is the only cyclosportive series that gives amateur cyclists the opportunity to truly live the Tour de France experience where they will race like a Tour de France participant. 

Last year’s participation drew a total of 4,700 participants, making L’Étape Malaysia to be officially recognized as the world’s second largest L’Étape by Tour de France.

2023 L’Etape Johor Jersey Presentation Marks the Offical Launch of the Event

L’Étape has been organised in more than 20 countries including Malaysia, and for this edition alone over 2,500 participants have signed up so far, with organizers confident of securing 4,000 entries before the closing date of 9 June 2023. 

Like last year, L’Étape Malaysia will consist of five racing categories. They include THE RACE (140km) and THE RIDE (60km) made up of individual men and women, as well as the Men’s Team (5 men) and Women’s Team (5 women). 

L’Étape Johor 2023 Press Conference  

L’Étape Johor 2023 Highlights

The introduction of the ELITE Category, a limited category that is dedicated exclusively to participants who want to challenge like the pros.

An improved technical team to drive enhanced performances from the racers. Cyclomotion – the leading technical provider for amateur racing, will form part of the L’Étape Malaysia technical crew, which means a bigger race technical team from troubleshooting to performance related assistance. 

A professional race services will be provided for this category, including dedicated mobile feeding, professional timing chip, dedicated traffic and logistics support, dedicated neutral services and much more. 

The introduction of an advanced timing chip technology, in a move to ensure the participants’ precise finishing time upon crossing the finish line. 

The co-organizers MUSE Group Asia and KPRJ Sports to stage a more comprehensive spectacle. 

L’Étape Johor 2023 by Tour de France at Desaru Coast  

Racers can also expect a different challenge this year with a new route introduced at the long, shaded course of Desaru Coast. The 60km and 140km race routes will be separated so that they do not overlap, allowing cyclists to put their full focus on finishing with their best personal time. 

A comprehensive race e-guide, including safety instructions would also be distributed before the race. These will be sent to the registered racers, and a short instructional video would also be available prior to race day. 

To further prepare for race week, there will also be an eight-week L’Étape Cycling Clinic powered by aminoVITAL® where studio trainers train alongside interested participants. AminoVITAL® is a sport drink that contains 3,000mg of amino acids with mainly Branched Chain Amino Acids, that helps in energy boosting, muscle endurance and muscle recovery.

Helping athletes carve out a successful career is also one of the objectives of L’Étape, the organizer, MUSE Group Asia send last year’s male champion Elmi Juhari and female winner Yeong Zhen Yi who will participate at the L’Étape Du Tour de France held in Annemasse, France along with another Johor-born cyclist, Heng Zi Hen. 

“We wanted these selected cyclists’ to experience the best of L’Étape, and we are honoured to send them to the prestigious L’Étape Du Tour de France. We have worked hard to ensure that the participants’ get an enriching overall experience, especially when it comes to their safety and race timing. We want them to be able to go out there and give their best with a peace of mind, and we will strive to make that happen,” said Riduwan Matni, CEO of Muse Group Asia.

Yang Berhormat Tuan Hairi bin Mad Shah, Chairman of the Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources, was happy to welcome this international event to the Southern state once again.

“Hosting L’Étape Malaysia last year went some way to reinforcing the event on the global map. With a diverse participation from more than 40 countries this year, we are certain that Johor will also benefit immensely from the domestic tourism boost as we welcome them to experience our various attractions. Sending the Johor-born cyclist to the L’Étape Du Tour de France  is also a testament to Johor’s commitment to sports development to continue unearthing new talents. We look forward to working together with all the stakeholders to make this another successful event,” he said. 

For that, KPRJ would be working in tandem with Muse Group Asia to ensure the racers expectations are met. “Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (“KPRJ”) through its subsidiary, KPRJ Sports Sdn Bhd (“KSSB”) believes for this second year of organising the event, we will deliver the best racing experience for our participants, and it is evident through the latest introductions for this year’s event. We encourage every budding cyclist out there to come and be part of this premium global cycling event,” said Yang Berhormat Dato’ Lukman bin Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of KPRJ.

Ambassador of France to Malaysia His Excellency Axel Cruau was looking forward to everyone converging yet again for this iconic event. “Since 1903, Le Tour de France has been so much more than a cycling race! It is a competition that tests the human limits, and yet that everyone can relate to. It takes place in the unique landscapes of France, and yet it is a show that the whole world can enjoy. It is a part of our national heritage that this year we are thrilled to share in Johor with our Malaysian friends," he said.

“Chek Hup has been the official beverage sponsor – Coffee, Tea & Chocolate of this iconic cycling event for two consecutive years now. We are thrilled to be part of the cycling community once again, and to play our part by serving chilled and refreshing Kokoo Peppermint Chocolate Drink as an energy fuel to help the riders give their best performances. By constantly beholding the core principle of ‘We Value Life’, Chek Hup ensures that its beverages are all natural without any additives or artificial flavourings,” said Joseph Tan, Group Managing Director of Chek Hup.

Roslina Arbak, Chief Executive Officer of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd., master developer and operator of Desaru Coast, said, “As an international destination, we are once again extremely proud and happy to be chosen as the official venue of L’Étape by Tour de France in Malaysia. This year, we are pleased to have Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast join in as the Official Hotel for the event.” 

L’Étape Johor 2023 by Tour de France at Desaru Coast  

For more information about L’Étape Johor 2023 by Tour de France at Desaru Coast  including the race routes, accommodation ideas, and other please visit 

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