Azizul has to deal with new-look Japan in a competitive field in Paris

Pedal to the metal: Azizulhasni Awang strikes a pose in front of his poster at the Games Village in Paris.

THE Europeans and Australians have always been the threat for Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang. So too are the South Americans.

Now, a renewed threat is rising – from the land of the rising sun.