Beasley: Tactical sharpness is key to success in Tokyo

Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang

PETALING JAYA: Staying put and competing Down Under will be the key to Olympics success for national track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom.

Azizul will be the first Malaysian cyclist to ride in four Olympics campaigns while Shah Firdaus will be making his debut in Tokyo from July 23 to Aug 8.

Their coach John Beasley confirmed that the Melbourne-based duo have been accepted to race in the Australia Track National Championships in Brisbane from March 24-29.

Azizul took gold ahead of Matthew Glaetzer while Shah Firdaus got the bronze in the keirin in the 2020 edition held in December.

Aizulhasni and Shah Firdaus won the sprint and keirin events at the Victoria Elite Track Championships recently.

“It makes sense for us to stay here and focus on what we need to improve because of the current situation, ” said Beasley.

“A diet of warm-up races is important to keep them sharp tactically although they are not tapering for the events.

The Australian expects Azizul and Shah Firdaus to pick up the pace in the next three months leading to Tokyo Olympics.

“They are still in the middle of a big block of training (in the gym) but we will make the switch after that to get the boys to go fast on the track.

“If they stick to the processes, the performances will come.

“Our programme is all about performing in Tokyo and results in warm-up races are not that important for us at this stage of our preparation although it’s a good opportunity to practise our tactical skills.”

Azizul, who has set his sights on winning the first Olympic gold medal for Malaysia in keirin, is expected to return to Kuala Lumpur first with Shah Firdaus before the contingent leave for Tokyo.