Azizul not part of cycling’s SEA Games plan, eyes Asiad

PETALING JAYA: Olympic silver medallist Azizulhasni Awang is not in the track cycling team’s plan for the Thailand SEA Games in December.

Despite the absence of Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom who is currently on the mend for the rest of the year to recover from knee injuries, cycling technical director John Beasley is not looking at the experienced Azizul to strengthen the team’s chances to dominate the track cycling competition at the SEA Games.

Azizul, who only resumed serious training two months ago, showed that he still has the winning touch after claiming bronze in the sprint and placing fifth in the keirin at the Asia Cup in Thailand last month.

The Asia Cup meet was the first competition for Azizul after resting for a year since the Paris Olympics.

“It was a tough comeback for him and he did have periods where he struggled but that phase is over now,” said Beasley.

“We are all happy he is on the way back after six months of virtually no training and little exercise.

“Now it’s time to load responsibly, slowly and steadily, one pedal stroke at a time.

“Azizul is not on our long list though for the SEA Games as his focus should be on the Asian Games next year,” said the Australian.

Beasley said it was up to the next generation of riders like Mohd Ridwan Sahrom, Mohd Fadhil Zonis and Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena to step up.

“They are physically ready, no excuses. They need to stand up, shine and show consistency,” said Beasley.

The trio of Ridwan, Fadhil and Akmal showed they are up to the challenge after delivering gold for Malaysia in the men’s team sprint at the Asia Cup.

The 24-year-old Ridwan is expected to lead Malaysia’s challenge in the keirin. Ridwan crossed the line second in the Asia Cup before being relegated for riding in the blue band.

SEA Games hosts Thailand have opted to limit the sprint programme to just the men’s keirin and team sprint events. Three more events – men’s team pursuit and points race, and women’s scratch – are endurance events in track cycling.