NILAI: Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom will focus on breaking the 10-second barrier in the men's individual sprint qualification at the Track World Cup in Nilai on Sunday (April 26).
The 31-year-old failed to advance past the first round keirin repechage at the National Velodrome but it was not a surprising result.
He finished third in his repechage heat and was also given a warning for dangerous riding.
Shah Firdaus underwent surgery on his right knee in late September and suffered substantial muscle loss (atrophy) in his right leg during the recovery process.
He admitted that he is still some way from his best. The World Cup meet in Nilai is only his second proper race since coming back.
"Unfortunately I got boxed-in during the repechage and was trying to squeeze myself through,'' said Shah Firdaus, who is nicknamed the Terminator.
"As expected, I do not have the acceleration required to race at this level just yet.
"It will take time to rebuild the strength I need through training.
"I am pleased though that I am able to race without any pain in my right knee.
"Today was my first race using a big gear and there was some concern about whether my knee would hold up. Thankfully, it was all okay."
He will again race alongside Azizulhasni Awang in the men's individual sprint today.
"The goal is for me to go sub-10s. That would be a great step forward for me.
"The plan is to go with the big gear again but this will also depend on track conditions.
"I would be very grateful if I am able to do sub-10s tomorrow. It would be a step in the right direction."
Shah Firdaus has a personal best of 9.481s, which he set at the World Cup meet in Konya, Turkiye, a year ago.
Lower barometric pressure, usually before or during storms, can lower air density and subsequently aerodynamic drag, leading to faster times.
