PETALING JAYA: National track cycling star Azizulhasni Awang showed no signs of health issues after blazing the track to a stunning keirin win in the first leg of the UCI Track Nations Cup in Adelaide, Australia on Saturday (Feb 3).
The 36-year-old, who was still on medication while recovering from pericarditis (heart inflammation), crossed the finish line with 9.910s to beat Japan's Shinji Nakano and Ota Kaiya for the gold medal at the Adelaide Superdrome.
The former keirin world champion was doubtful to compete but he showed indomitable fighting spirit and grit to snatch the gold in the absence of rival and reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen of Holland in the final.
Azizul raised hopes of going all the way after clocking 9.784s to win the first round heat, thus earning an automatic spot in the second round.
In the second round, Azizul then crossed the line third behind Australian Matthew Richardson and second placed Xue Chenxi of China to advance to the main top-six final.
In the final, Azizul used his experience to outwit his rivals to come out on tops despite starting the race from the rails.
Mohd Fadhil Zonis also rode in the men's keirin but his campaign ended in the first round repechage.
