NILAI: Track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom just wants to enjoy his ride at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games although he cannot avoid the pressure of being a medal hopeful for the country.
The 25-year-old rider said each time he set his mind on enjoying the race he would do well.
He said the experience gained in his Commonwealth Games debut in Gold Coast, Australia, four years ago would help him in his hunt for medal in Birmingham which will be held from July 28- Aug 8.
“The pressure is always there because in every race people would ask about my target. For sure I want to give my best and most importantly, to enjoy the race.
“When I do that, everything else will normally fall into place.
“In Gold Coast, I failed to give my best in the final because of the intense pressure. I have learnt from that situation,” he said when met during training at the velodrome Velodrome here yesterday.
Shah Firdaus finished fourth in men’s sprint and helped Malaysia to fifth place in the team sprint, apart from taking part in the keirin and 1km time trial.
Shah Firdaus has become Malaysia’s main medal prospect after Mohd Azizulhasni Awang pulled out as he is still recuperating following an open-heart surgery last April.
Asked on his medal chances, Shah Firdaus said anything is possible.
“God willing but anything can happen. The world record holder and world’s best will be there. So, it will be very tough but we just wait and see,” he added.
Meanwhile, head coach John Beasley admitted that their assault would be different without Azizul, but stressed that his absence provided an opportunity for the rest to shine.
The Australian said Shah Firdaus was one of the best keirin riders in the world and would be up against Australia’s Matthew Glaetzer and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Jack Carlin of Britain.
“We’ve been grooming Shah for a long time, so it’s time for him to step up. We know his ability so I think he is just starting to learn how good he can be. There’s no pressure ... if he just races according to his ability he would be on the podium,” he said.
The cycling squad to Birmingham are Shah Firdaus, Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis and Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom while the women are Anis Amira Rosidi, Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan and up-and-coming young talent Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri. — Bernama
