PETALING JAYA: Azizulhasni Awang showed he is still a force to be reckoned with in keirin racing at the highest level after taking a stunning victory in the first leg of the UCI Track Nations Cup in Adelaide, Australia yesterday.
The 36-year-old, who was still recovering from pericarditis (heart inflammation) and on medication, showed no signs of health issues as he crossed the finish line with 9.910s to beat Japan’s Shinji Nakano and Ota Kaiya for the gold medal at the Adelaide Super-drome.
The former keirin world champion was doubtful to compete on Friday but rode on his indomitable fighting spirit 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 speed at the right moment 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 after he failed to finish his first round repechage.
It is the first Track Nations Cup keirin win for Azizul and comes at the right time as he gears up for a final Olympic charge in Paris.
Cycling head coach John Beasley was delighted and relieved at the same time at the end of the day.
“Unbelievable, the man is not 100% well and he can still find a way to win, he has so much inner strength and courage, it’s like pulling on a Superman cap when he races in the Malaysian jersey.
“We race very differently here because we had to, though it worked wonderfully well. I’m very proud of him, he is still far from being 100% health-wise though it looks like the worst is behind him, fingers crossed,” said the Australian coach.
Pericarditis refers to swelling and inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp pain or put pressure on the chest, among other symptoms.
It is usually not a serious condition but it can sometimes lead to more serious issues.
In the women’s individual sprint, Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri made the cut from the qualifying round but was shown the exit by Lauriane Genest of Canada in the first round.
Anis Amira Rosidi failed to make the top 28 cut from the qualifying round.
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