PETALING JAYA: Track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom will sit out the Asian Championships in the Philippines to focus on the UCI Track World Cup next month in Nilai.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill confirmed that the two cyclists will not participate in the Asian Championships in Tagaytay from March 25-31 in order to prepare for the World Cup on home soil from April 24-26.
“We believe it would be better if Azizul focuses his energy on the Track World Cup held in Nilai,” said Amarjit in a statement.
“Moreover, it will be held on home soil after 25 years. Personally, I want Azizul to focus on the Track World Cup.
“The same goes for Shah Firdaus. It would be better for him to focus his attention on the Track World Cup.”
MNCF instead have decided to give rising rider Lau New Joe a chance to compete at the Asian Championships, and Amarjit believes it can be a testing ground for young riders to evaluate themselves against others in the region.
“I believe young riders like New Joe can create an upset in Tagaytay. MNCF must be brave in encouraging young riders to compete at the highest level on the Asian track stage,” said Amarjit, who is also president of the Asian Cycling Confederation.
Amarjit added that the governing body are excited to see improvements in Azizul following his performance at the Track World Cup in Perth.
Azizul, 38, won gold in the keirin and bronze in the individual sprint, and shot up 39 spots to world No. 18 with 2,737 points in the men’s elite sprint rankings.
New Joe also climbed 19 spots to world No. 17 with 2,612 points after competing in Perth. The 20-year-old finished 10th overall in the omnium event, the highest-ever placing by a Malaysian in the event at the World Cup level.
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