Ridwan and Izzah star for state teams as they rule National C’ships

Riding high: Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri (left) and Mohd Ridwan Sahrom.

PETALING JAYA: Track riders Mohd Ridwan Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri led their respective states to victory again in the team sprint event in the National Championships at the National Velodrome in Nilai here yesterday.

The men’s final saw Johor’s Ridwan, Akmal Nazimi Jusena and Nabil Wafiq Zamri (45.880s) beating Kuching-based club Buceros’ Yusri Shaari, Ahmad Safwan Ahmad Nazeri and Afiq Huznie Othman (47.116s) to win the event for the fifth time in a row.

Kedah’s Umar Hasbullah, Amer Khuzainifahmi Mohd Farid and Darwish Putra Mohd Sanusi (46.977s) beat Selangor B’s Izzat Izzudin Mohd Yusop, Danish Haiqal Zarin and Firdaus Mohd Zonis (51.814s) to claim the bronze.

Ridwan was relieved to lead the team to yet another victory.

“Of course there was pressure on us because we knew we were the (main) contenders. We were careful not to underestimate our opponents and thankfully, we were able to pull it off,” said Ridwan.

“Defending a title is always tougher than winning it the first time.

“Personally, this is the third time I have won this title but Johor have already won it five times now.”

Izzah and her younger sister Nurul Nabilah Asri and Fitrah Shaari were given a scare by Penang before downing them with a time of 52.696s in the women’s team sprint final.

Penang powered by national rider Nurul Aliana Syakika Azizan, Intan Nur Idrisha Abdul Razak and Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak took silver (52.886s).

Izzah, who will be competing in the Paris Olympics in July, was all smiles after winning her third team sprint gold in as many years.

“I am happy to win it again, especially as the competition was much tougher this time,” said Izzah.

“Penang sent their top riders this year and gave us a really tough time.

‘‘They managed to briefly overtake us and it took everything we had to regain first position (at the final lap).

“I think they have a good team, Umairah was very impressive. She is only 16 but is already able to match riders who are in the national elite squad. She has a lot of potential.”

In the endurance disciplines, Terengganu (3:11.808s) claimed the men’s elite team pursuit gold after beating Johor in the final. Perak (4:28.310s) beat Selangor A to take the bronze.

The women’s elite team pursuit final saw Terengganu (3:29.129s) beating Kedah for the gold.

Paris Olympics-bound Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom are expected to compete in the men’s elite individual sprint event today.