Press Release: Inaugural L’Étape Melaka 2024

 Tour de France Spirit Takes Over Melaka: Cyclists Celebrate Inaugural L’Étape Event

• Former Malaysian pro cyclist Mohd Hafidz Abd Hamid crowned the Specialized 140km Elite Men champion
• Defending champion Alicia Brittain (South Africa) retains her crown, winning the Specialized 140km Elite Women’s category

Melaka, Malaysia - May 5, 2024 - Cycling enthusiasts from across the region converged in the historic city of Melaka today for the debut of L'Étape Melaka by Tour de France, marking the third consecutive year of the event's presence in Malaysia, as well as the newest location to host the prestigious event.

Dubbed as "the World's Greatest Amateur Cycling Event,", L'Étape by Tour de France offers cyclists the opportunity to push their limits and motivate one another in a spirit reminiscent of the renowned Tour de France.

Flagging off from The Sail Melaka, riders embarked on a picturesque journey that combines cycling with historical exploration. The 2024 L'Étape Melaka is more than just a cycling event; it's a cultural journey set against the vibrant heritage of Melaka. Presented as a sports tourism experience, it has consistently drawn many participants each year.

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The inaugural L'Étape Melaka by Tour de France saw a significant turnout, drawing more than 3,350 participants including 90% from international and domestic riders from over 47 countries. This turnout not only reflects the rising popularity of cycling in Asia but also fosters camaraderie among cyclists from a variety of backgrounds.

Cycling enthusiasts had the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of the Tour de France with 140km and 70km route options. These courses were approved by Tour de France experts to provide a challenge that appealed to both new and seasoned cyclists while traversing the landscapes of Melaka.

Safety remained a top priority, with fully-closed roads, well-placed food and water stations, mechanical support, and fast-response medical aid ensuring a secure environment for all participants. The event's sanctioning by the Malaysia National Cycling Federation further underscored its commitment to safety and excellence.

Nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Melaka provided the perfect backdrop for this immersive cultural experience. As cyclists crossed the finish line, they not only celebrated their physical achievements but also embraced the rich heritage of Melaka, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Amongst the main highlights of L’Étape Melaka included the plethora of festival activities that enriched participants' interactions beyond the racecourse., including a lucky draw with over RM100,000 worth of prizes to be given away, including a Specialized Roubaix SL8 valued at RM27,000. Other activities include memorabilia display by Tour de France, pushbike competition, activation booths by sponsors and more.

From L-R

1.       En Riduwan Matni, CEO of Muse Group Asia, Co-Organiser of L’Etape Melaka by Tour de France

2.       Representative from Jabatan Pembangunan Belia, Sukan dan Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO)

3.       En. Nasaruddin Ahmad, General Post Office Postman, Pos Malaysia Melaka

4.       YB Tuan P. Shanmugam A/L Pitchay, Exco Pembangunan Belia, Sukan dan Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO)

5.       En Osman Shah bin Mansor, Stage General Manager Melaka & Negeri Sembilan, Pos Malaysia

6.       Jason Yap, CEO of Element X Strategies Sdn Bhd, Co-Organiser of L’Etape Melaka by Tour de France

"We are thrilled to bring L'Étape by Tour de France to Melaka for the first time and during the Visit Melaka Year 2024," said a Riduwan Matni, Group CEO from Muse Group Asia, co-organizers of the event. "The enthusiasm shown by riders and spectators alike is a testament to the growing cycling community in Asia, and we look forward to further expanding the event's reach in the years to come."

Among the highlights of the event was the Specialized Elite Wave, which featured an exclusive podium ceremony for the winners, adding an extra layer of prestige to the occasion. The male and female winners shared their experiences of the race, reflecting on the challenges they faced and the thrill of crossing the finish line.

L’Etape Melaka Specialized 140km Elite Wave – Men winners

2nd place | Matthew Brittain | South Africa | 03:20:31.57

 1st place | Mohd Hafidz bin Abd Hamid | Malaysia | 03:20:31.56

Former pro cyclist Mohd Hafidz Abd Hamid, sprinting neck-to-neck with defending champion, Matthew Brittain, surged ahead to clinch the Specialized Elite Wave Men’s category championship said, “It was an unexpected win, and it was truly my lucky day. I took a gamble, gave it my all, pushing through to the finish line. There were moments I almost gave up but seeing an opportunity to secure the second place (safe choice), I persevered until the final kilometre, giving it my all in that last sprint. The course was undeniably tough, filled with challenging hills typical of Melaka. Despite modest preparations, luck was on my side, and I managed to endure to win.”

2^nd place | Amelie Tan | Malaysia | 03:47:05.93

1st place | Alicia Brittain | South Africa | 03:23:27.41

 3rd place | Rita Loh | Singapore | 04:00:43.35

Hailing from South Africa and currently based in Singapore, Alicia Brittain, the reigning champion for the Specialized Elite Wave Women’s category, radiated with enthusiasm as she shared her experience. “I’m feeling over the moon. Every race, you start from zero and you don’t have any expectations. I’m just very happy that everything went to plan. It was a safe race, and I was able to keep up and win the game. We had really good weather today. The rain cleared yesterday, so we had some nice temperature. The course was really flowy and fun; we had fast downhills, and the road quality was great. The closures really help, and we had enough marshals showing us where to go so, all in all, you can’t really go wrong. It was just so easy to navigate, as long as you move fast enough,” Alicia Brittain said with a grin, emphasizing the camaraderie among competitors.

In addition to the exhilarating race experience, participants had the chance to win exclusive prizes, including a Roubaix SL8 valued at RM 27,000 in a lucky draw.

L'Étape Melaka by Tour de France would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including Sheng Tai and The Sail, Specialized, MyCEB, KBS, ChekHup, Zoot, Amino Vital, Prince Court, Birkin International Hotel, POS Malaysia, Grupetto, Propain, Shimano, Cyclomotion, Checkpoint Spot, Cowa, and Element X and Muse Group, who co-organized the event.

As the curtains close on L'Étape Melaka by Tour de France 2024, cyclists and spectators alike are left with memories of an unforgettable journey through the historical beauty of Melaka, eagerly anticipating the next edition of this iconic event.

L’ÉTAPE MELAKA – SPECIALIZED ELITE MEN (140KM)
1st Place	Mohd Hafidz bin Abd Hamid	Malaysia	03:20:31.56
2nd Place	Matthew Brittain	South Africa	03:20:31.57
3rd Place	Thomas Tong	Singapore	03:22:28.00

L’ÉTAPE MELAKA  – SPECIALIZED ELITE WOMEN (140KM)
1st Place	Alicia Brittain	South Africa	03:23:27.41
2nd Place	Amelie Tan	Malaysia	03:47:05.93
3rd Place	Rita Loh	Singapore	04:00:43.35

L’ÉTAPE MELAKA – YOUTH (U25) (140KM)
1st Place	Putra Haikal bin Rosnizam	Malaysia	03:22:58
2nd Place	Muhammad Adib Zafirul bin Zamani	Malaysia	03:23:00
3rd Place	Muhammad Amir Firhan bin Abd Halim	Malaysia	03:23:01

L’ÉTAPE MELAKA – ELITE TEAMS (140KM)
1st Place	Heat CC	Malaysia
2nd Place	Maverick 2	Singapore
3rd Place	Allied World Quantum Racing	Great Britain, Singapore, Germany

L’ÉTAPE MELAKA – SPRINT CATEGORY
1st Place	Muhammad Elmi bin Jumari	Malaysia

For more information including the race routes, accommodation ideas, and other FAQs, go to https://melaka.letapebytourdefrance.com / www.facebook.com/letapemalaysia / www.instagram.com/letapemalaysia  /  www.tiktok.com/@letapemalaysia

 #LEtapeMYMelaka2024

#LEtapeMY2024

#LEtape #LEtapeMalaysia

#LEtapeByTourDeFrance

About Amaury Sport Organisation
Amaury Sport Organisation is a company that owns, designs, and organises top international sporting events. Specialised in the ‘non-stadia’ events, it has in-house knowledge of professions linked to organisation, media, and sales of sports events. A.S.O. organises 240 days of competition per year, with 90 events in 25 countries.

 A.S.O. is involved in 5 major sports including cycling with Le Tour de France, motor sports with the Dakar, sailing with the Tour Voile, mass events with the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris and golf with the Lacoste Ladies Open de France. Amaury Sport Organisation is a subsidiary of the Amaury Group, media and sport group that owns the newspaper L’Equipe.

About Muse Group Asia

MUSE Group is a brand activation and experiential marketing agency, specialising in MUSIC, SPORTS, and ENTERTAINMENT, with extensive experience in organising large scale and international events, especially in sports. We too have the privilege of consulting a number of blue-chip companies and government agencies in the region. In Malaysia, MUSE has organised major sporting events such as the Spartan Race, the Marvel Run, Malaysia’s biggest half marathon – the HSN21km and many more. 

With 10 years of operating in SEA, MUSE is one of the biggest local sports agencies in the region with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore

 

This press release is issued on behalf of L’Étape Melaka 2024 by INK PR Sdn Bhd

For further media information, please contact:

Ms Aw Li-Ann | +6012 207 8285| li-ann@ink.net.my

 

INK PR Sdn Bhd 

Unit A928, Level 9 (Lift 6), Block A, Damansara Intan

No. 1, Jalan SS 20/27, 47400, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

T: +603 7499 2882 / 2883

Anker Soundcore Space Q45: Unboxing and Review

Being part of the AECO Technologies Garmin ambassador also allows me access to some of their other products. AECO Technologies has an Audio Visual business known as Stereotype which carries brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Shokz, Anker, JBL, AudioTechnica, Jabra and Audio Pro. As part of my 2023 entitlement as one of the Pacer for Everymove Sports Club, I am able to get any items other than Garmin devices - and this time, i decided to go for the Anker Soundcore Space Q45.

Active Noise Cancelling Headset

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are wireless, over-ear headphones with active noise canceling (ANC). They have up to 50 hours of playtime in ANC mode and up to 65 hours in standard mode. My Bose QC35 is aging and it is time to have a standby headset in case I need one for travel soon. Those that has ANC headset will know how important it is for long haul travelling.

Unboxing Video

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is made out of plastic, featuring pleather or plastic leather made to look like leather ear cups. They are comfortable but they are not as breathable as my Bose QC35. However if you were to use this in mainly airconditioned space (travel, plane, office), they are alright. The headset is very adjustable just like my Bose QC35 and the cup can lay flat similarly and fold for storage into the semi-hard case provided. 

Premium Feel

Despite the plastic construction, the headset lend a very premium feel. The surface may likely be scratched easily but having used this for almost 2 months seems to tell me it will hold up pretty well on normal usage. By normal usage I would meant not baby-ing it but use it as it is intended to, and not abused.

The plastic holder at the bottom can be removed

Premium feel

The pleather or plastic leather ear cup

The headband is metal-reinforced and could easily be adjusted to fit my big head. The cushioning on the band is soft but I doubt if it will last long with my short/spiky hair giving a lot of friction on it in the long run. My Bose QC35 headband has been replaced with paracord which i used to wrap it up after attempt to change it did not materialised as it involve desoldering the electronics and cutting the pleather band on the QC35.

Ear cup from the side

Metal band

Adjustable

lay flat cup

Control Buttons

The Soundcore Space Q45 has control buttons on both left and right ear cups. They are neatly divided and feature easy to locate and touch buttons. Tactile so you can feel the press/feedback. On the right ear cup is the media and volume control button. Play, pause and volume up and down is situated on the right side. You can skip or return to previous songs by pressing and holding the volume button up or down for 2-seconds.

Easy buttons

Also on the right side is the cable jack and the unit comes with the cable for you to link to the 3.5mm output. However, it lacks the plane jack, which is a shame. I may have to repurpose my Bose QC35 jack or get a new one.

And with USB-A to USB-C charging cable

The left side holds the Power button, which also pair your unit via Bluetooth. There is the ANC button that toggles the ANC (On/Off/Passthrough). The charging (USB-C) port is on the left side.

First time Listening

Without tinkering with the sound and using it fresh out connected via Bluetooth to my iPhone 12, over Spotify, the sound is acceptable. It perform as it should if you, like me is not able to discern or has a reference audio/songs to constantly test/compare it with. I personally find the quality highly acceptable even at zero-boost with ANC being my main price point consideration.

The Adaptive Noise Cancelling

This is the reason I got this headset. The ANC is good. With 3-different modes it allows for good customization depending where you are at so you still have situational awareness.

Convincing

Based on the usage, I would rate the Space Q45 ANC to be on par or likely better than the Bose QC35. Bearing in mind the Bose unit has been serving me for more than 6 years. I may not be comparing apple to apple when it comes to "age" of the Noise Cancellation capability but it is nice to know these feature are available at lesser cost than before. The Bose QC35 was RM1.5K when I bought it and the Anker Space Q45 is less than half the price (RM699).

Toggling between the ANC is also easy with 2 taps and I am in transparency mode. No complains here.

ANC button

The Soundcore App

The App is easy to use and it was the first thing I downloaded after the unboxing video to link it up and also to check for firmware update. There is a firmware update and after listening to it for a while I use the Equaliser and set the HearID which is a personalised EQ based on your hearing sensitivity and how you like your music.

Download your app here or simply just scan or search in the respective App Store

Google Playstore Apple iOS

In the app you are able to do more stuff like setting the level of transparency mode you want and also programing how the ANC button behave to your preference. Unfortunately unlike the higher end Sony XM5, you can't put a hand over the headset to activate transparency. However, compared to my Bose QC35, this is a step change vs having to remove the headset from my ears to listen to someone talking to me.

Microphone and usage for telecon/phone calls

The Q45 comes with two microphone arrays, which works great for phone calls and also telecon as it was good enough to cancel any background noise and focuses on your spoken voice.

Microphone

More microphones on same right side as above

Microphone on left side near the Power button

Bluetooth and supported codec

Apart from the 3.5mm wired connection, the Q45 is designed mostly to work via Bluetooth connection. It has high latency, meaning it is not all too suitable for gaming as it would meant a sync-lapse of sound. That aside, it has Bluetooth 5.3 and allows for multiple connection (2 devices at one time) so you can link it up to your PC for work and your phone for calls as an example. I had all possible Bluetooth devices linked up; so my Garmin, Laptop, Mac and phone has the Q45 linked up. It will connect to whichever is nearest to me, and at times, I would need to disconnect one devices so it will link to the device I prefer (usually my Garmin as I don't need to bring my phone to stream the music).

50H Playtime on ANC

Hi-Res Audio

As for Codec, it us defaulted to AAC, and you it can handle SBC and LDAC. So yes, High-Res Audio is possible provided your source can stream that - and if you are on Spotify, this is pretty meaningless as Spotify does not stream in High-Res. It's just nice to know you have that options should you move to other providers.

Where to get

Get them from Stereotype store at IOI City Mall, which is an AECO Technologies company.

STEREOTYPE - IOI CITY MALL

L2-35, Second Floor,

IOI CIty Mall, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City,

62502 Putrajaya

10:00am - 10:10pm (Daily)

Or you can also try to find them online. Bear in mind to get it from official distributor and reseller for warranty and peace of mind. All products from Stereotype carries the official warranty and support/service.

I bought this unit using my entitlement and I top up slightly to make up the differences. A great value for me being EveryMove Sports Club pacer and ambassador!

The Review TL:DR

• Double-layer diaphragm drivers: Good quality/acceptable sound with strong bass
• LDAC: High Resolution audio if you have LDAC source.
• Two mics and an AI algorithm: great for calls and telecon, amplify voice and not background noise.
• Pleather ear cup padding: For comfort during long periods of use
• Adjustable ear cups: Can fold flat for storage
• Easy-to-understand controls: Divided between the left and right ear cups
• Sweat resistance: Ideal for use while doing sports if you must/have to
• Nice App which lend a lot of other features such as EQ, personal preferences and even level of ANC
• Amazing battery life. 50hours on ANC, 65 without. 5mins fast charge gives you 4 hours of music and ANC.
• Love the semi-hard carrying case but it lacks a sleeve to put cables
  

Pros

• Comfortable
• Fast charging
• Multipoint connectivity
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Good ANC
• Aluminum hinges
• Great ear pads
• Great battery life

Cons

• Average sound quality if you are into audiophile settings
• Build quality if you are not into plastic-ky feel
• Relatively expensive when compared to what Baseus offers on similar level (such as the D02); but bear in mind that Anker is a premium brand.
• Does not come with a travel adapter to plug into plane inflight entertainment.

More Photos

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