KUALA LUMPUR: Local mineral water company Bubbles O2 will once again sponsor the King of the Mountain jersey for the 30th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi 2026 (LTdL26), which will kick off from September 27 to October 4.
This marks the second consecutive year that the well-known local brand, which received the Superbrands 2025 award, has sponsored the green polka dot King of the Mountain jersey, and its fourth year as LTdL sponsorship partner, having previously sponsored the Most Combative Rider award at every stage in the 2023 and 2024 editions.
The intense battle for the King of the Mountain jersey at this 30th edition especially across the three summit finishes at Gunung Jerai, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, is expected to capture fans’ attention, giving Bubbles O2 wide exposure and promotion.
Deputy Director General of Sports Development at the National Sports Council (MSN), Sofian Hamzah, said Bubbles O2’s decision was certainly made after conducting an in-depth evaluation and witnessing firsthand the effectiveness and returns of their previous sponsorship.
“LTdL will continue all forms of promotion such as international broadcasting, and this time with Icarus Sports, which will broadcast the race to 18 broadcasters, I am confident Bubbles O2 will receive far greater returns, especially when the King of the Mountain jersey holder is riding or standing on the LTdL26 podium.
“The King of the Mountain jersey, which is the main focus this year, is considered more unique because besides testing a pure climber’s absolute strength on steep, long hills, it also measures their ‘mathematical’ cunning in stealing points at other minor climbing zones,” said Sofian, speaking at the Bubbles O2 LTdL26 Sponsorship press conference at MSN Bukit Jalil today.
Also present were Bubbles O2 Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Aziz Ariffin; MSN Event Management Division Director, Mohd Safrushahar Yusoff; and LTdL26 Secretariat Chief Operating Officer (COO), Emir Abdul Jalal.
Sofian said the presence of several big names recognized as world-class climbers who have competed for and won stages and the King of the Mountain (KOM) jersey across the three Grand Tours – the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a Espana, makes this year’s battle for the King of the Mountain jersey more intense, exciting and a major focal point.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz said the company’s decision to once again sponsor the King of the Mountain jersey was based on the complete overall return package, particularly the opportunity to promote the Bubbles O2 brand internationally.
“International television broadcasting aligns with our promotion, marketing and sales plan to establish Bubbles O2 as a world-class mineral water brand.
“LTdL also gives us unique and effective domestic promotional exposure, not only through TV broadcasts on Astro Arena, Facebook and YouTube, but also through promotional programs at the start and finish locations, as well as along the Cavalcade route with the Voice of LTdL, joined by tens of thousands of Malaysians – making Bubbles O2 one of the increasingly recognized brands in the country,” said Abdul Aziz.
He expressed hope that the strategic partnership with MSN on LTdL will continue in the years ahead.
He added that besides the climbs at Gunung Jerai, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, the battle for points toward the King of the Mountain crown is expected to continue until the final day, particularly at the climbing zones along Stage 6 (Pandan Indah – Rembau) and Stage 8 (Muar -Putrajaya).
Overall, there are two Hors Category (HC) climbs namely Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands – offering a maximum of 25 points each; one Category 1 climb (Gunung Jerai); one Category 2 zone; four Category 3 zones; and one Category 4 zone across the eight days of the race.
The 30th edition of LTdL26 will begin with Stage 1 from Shah Alam to Kampar on September 27, and conclude with Stage 8, Muar – Putrajaya, on October 4, covering a total distance of 1,285.5km.
The 2.ProSeries-status tour is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through MSN, with the full cooperation of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).
