Shah Firdaus hopes to see ‘irreplaceable’ Azizul at LA28 but final decision is his

PETALING JAYA: Track cyclist Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom is hoping to see Azizulhasni Awang race on until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 but stressed the need to respect any decision he makes regarding his future.

The 38-year-old Azizul ended the World Cup campaign as the overall champion for keirin.

He bagged two golds in keirin and two bronzes from individual sprint from the legs in Perth and the recent one in Nilai.

In Nilai, Azizul beat reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen of Holland to loud cheers from the home fans.

“On a personal note, I want him to be in the team. I am looking forward to seeing him continue,” said Shah Firdaus, who made the Olympic keirin final in Paris two years ago.

“No one can replace Azizul. Just talking about how he won the final round of the World Cup in Nilai just gives me goosebumps as not many dare to take that little gamble to come out victorious.

“He proved that he is still able to win for Malaysia at his age.

“Now that he is older, he does not train the same way we do.

“But he is very experienced and knows exactly what needs to be done.

“When he trains with us (national riders), he brings with him a good vibe.

‘‘Sparring with him helps me raise my game.

“But of course, as his teammate,

‘‘I’ll support and respect whatever he decides to do.’’

Shah Firdaus is also on the comeback trail after undergoing surgery on his right knee last September.

Azizul is targeting to end his career at the Asian Games in Japan in September but there are calls for him to give LA28 a shot.