Veteran rider Azizul leans on experience and resolve to stay competitive

Simply the best: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang celebrating his win in the men’s elite keirin final in the first leg of the President’s Cup on Thursday. — Bernama

NILAI: Two-time Olympic Games medallist Azizulhasni Awang admits that he is not as aggressive as before but that will not stop him from being competitive in track cycling.

In fact, the 38-year-old Azizul has learned to make up for what he lacks physically with his experience and willpower to stay relevant in the high-speed sport.

He underlined that point over the weekend by completing a double, winning both the keirin and sprint titles in the President’s Cup at the National Velodrome in Nilai –showing that he was still the country’s fastest sprinter.

It was his first home tournament in a year after bowing out from his last Olympic Games in Paris due to a technical infringement.

While many view his age as a disadvantage, Azizul sees it as another challenge to overcome.

“I admit that I am no longer as aggressive as before, but I believe my experience and willpower can make a difference now,” said Azizul.

“I turned 38 this year. People say it’s too old for high performance.

“What they don’t see are the nights I questioned everything, the fatigue I carried into training, and the weight of everything I have been through.

“I have been through a lot, but I never gave up. This is my journey.”

Azizul said he would skip the second leg of the President’s Cup at the National Velodrome this weekend, to focus on his preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to Aug 2.

His wants to improve his personal best of 9.402 seconds, which is also the national record, that was set at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

“I hope that I can continue the good momentum after this,” said Azizul.

“I posted 9.8s this time (at the President’s Cup) compared to my best time at the Olympics of 9.4s.

“For a race like this, it is a good time despite the challenges.

“I’ve to work hard to maintain this good performance if I want to hit around my best time of 9.4s.

“There is still time to be ready for the Commonwealth Games,” said Azizul, who is now competing as an independent rider after he was coaxed out of retirement in April last year.

His other major assignment is the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from Sept 19 to Oct 4.