Beasley calls for young riders to be released for World Junior C’ships

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s up-and-coming cyclists have not been given the nod for the World Junior Championships in Belgium from Aug 19-23 as it clashes with the Malaysia Games (Sukma) starting from Aug 15-24.

And national cycling technical director John Beasley isn’t pleased as he feels that athletes selected to represent the country at world competitions should be automatically released from domestic commitments.

“I find it difficult to understand situations where athletes who have spent years in the national programme could be prevented from competing at the highest level of their age category,” said Beasley.

“They have spent years in the national programme under the guidance of the country’s best coaches.

“They train full-time, live within the national system and dedicate themselves to representing Malaysia on the international stage.

“The junior riders only have a limited window to compete at the world championships, making every opportunity crucial for their development.

“They get invaluable experience in racing, preparation, equipment, tactics and performance expectations through the world meet that cannot be replicated through domestic competition.

“Once that opportunity is gone, it cannot be recreated. While we can continue to provide international competition opportunities in the future, they will never again have the chance to compete against the world’s best riders within their own age category.”

Last year’s World Junior Championships keirin finalist Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak (Penang), Afif Darwish Nazif (Sarawak) and Danial Hakim Zulkasi (Sarawak) are most unlikely to go to Belgium as they are required by their respective states for Sukma.

It is an ironic situation not to have the best young riders at the world meet as Danial is the Asian junior champion in the elimination race while Umairah has enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning silver medals in the junior keirin and team sprint at the Asian junior championship in February while climbing 30 spots to seventh in the world rankings.

Beasley added that Malaysia’s relatively small pool of world-class cycling talent made it essential for the country’s best young riders to gain exposure and reach the highest standards.

Beyond the immediate issue, Beasley believes the situation also highlights a broader challenge within Malaysian sport.

While acknowledging the important role Sukma plays in encouraging state investment and providing competition opportunities for young athletes, he said there were occasions when state and national objectives did not align.

“The national system is focused on producing athletes capable of representing Malaysia internationally, while state programmes are understandably focused on Malaysia Games success.

“The challenge is finding a balance where both objectives can co-exist.

“Personally, I believe any athlete selected to represent Malaysia at a World Championship should be automatically released to compete.”