Azizulhasni crashes during Australian race, no major injuries

Azizul seen here recuperating in hospital after his crash. He was badly bruised but did not break any bones and is expected to recover fully.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's "pocket rocket", Azizulhasni Awang, had a big scare when he was involved in a high-speed crash while racing in the keirin event at the Track World Cup meet in Brisbane, Australia.

Fortunately, the 31-year-old cyclist did not suffer any broken bones in the incident on Saturday (Dec 14), but was left badly bruised.

In the first round of the keirin event, Azizul could not avoid crashing into Japanese cyclist Tomoyuki Kawabata, who had cut into his path.

The collision knocked him off balance, sending him skidding along the timber track at 70kmph.

Azizul, who complained of breathing difficulties, was rushed to hospital, accompanied by his coach John Beasley.

"It's great news for us as he has nothing broken, although he has very heavy deep bruising and a lot of missing skin. He will be fine in a week," said the Australian.

Azizul, the 2017 world champion keirin rider and Tokyo Olympics hopeful, had just won gold in the previous leg of the Track World Cup in Cambridge, New Zealand last week.