Race leader Perak’s Muhammad Syawal Mazlin celebrates at the finishing line during the boys’ cycling cross country olympic final event of Malaysia Games (Sukma) at Siol MTB Track, Bukit Siol in Kuching, Sarawak yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PERAK’S Mohd Syawal Mazlin had to endure a tough transition from road cycling to mountain biking for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) but he has passed the stern test with flying colours.
The 20-year-old cyclist, who secured the mountain bike gold, had to face huge challenges in his preparations as his current training with the Malaysian Pro Cycling team is more focused on road events as they are selecting riders for this year’s Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).
Syawal is aiming for a spot in the team for the LTdL, but he also had to plan for his assault on the Sukma gold in mountain biking.
That felt like a mountain to climb at first and Syawal is relieved to have persevered and achieved his goal in Sarawak.
“It was tough, transitioning from road cycling to mountain biking as my training with the team was geared towards road events,” said Syawal, a bronze medallist at the last Games in 2022.
“I was only able to squeeze in a week or so to train intensively on the mountain bike and adapt to the terrain.
‘’I had aimed for gold at the last edition, but I only finished third because I was still recovering from a fever.”
“This time, I’m happy to bring back the gold for my parents, coach, and the Perak state.”
Syawal started his journey in sports as a cross country athlete, where he competed at the state level.
His switch to cycling came after he was approached by a coach to try out the sport and he quickly went on to develop a passion for it.
“I’m grateful to have made it this far today,” he shared.
