NILAI: Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom proved that he is on the right track to regain his previous form after recapturing the men’s keirin title in stunning fashion at the National Championships.
The Johor-born track cyclist pipped World Cup keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang (Team Azizul) to the finish line in a dramatic race at the National Velodrome in Nilai.
Mohd Fadhil Zonis finished third for Selangor.
There was no room for cat and mouse tactics in the final as Terengganu’s Mohd Harrif Saleh, who is better known for his exploits in road racing, launched an early attack, which forced the field to chase.
In the end it was Shah Firdaus, who spent many months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery late last year, who had the clear line and the legs to win it.
A visibly delighted Shah Firdaus did not expect to finish on the top of the podium.
“I had also planned to do a long sprint in the final but it just so happened that Harrif went first.
“I went full gas at the bell and just prayed that I reached the line first. I knew there was someone coming (Azizul), so I had to create some distance.
“Alhamdulillah I have managed to win the title back, I last won it in 2022.
“To be honest, I did not expect to win as everyone is aware of my condition. I am not quite at 100 per cent yet.”
Shah Firdaus, who had won the Track World Cup title in Turkiye last year, lost significant muscle mass in his right leg during the post-surgery recovery process which has forced him to rebuild.
There were no real surprises in the women’s keirin final, which saw Kedah’s Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri defending her title.
Her main rival in the competition, Johor’s Nur Alyssa Farid, settled for second while Anis Amira Rosidi (Team Cahaya Mata) completed the podium.
“It was a tough final as I knew that Alyssa would be very strong. We train together in the national team so we know each other very well.
“Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied with my performance and am grateful to defend my gold medal.”
The endurance events earlier in the day saw Perak’s Yusri Shaari clinching the men’s elimination race gold ahead of Kuala Lumpur’s Lau New Joe and Johor’s Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil.
Nur Aisyah Zubir (Terengganu) won the women’s points race after amassing 82 points. Selangor’s Yeong Zhen Yi (66 pts) came in second while Johor’s Khairunnisa Aleeya Saifulnizam (56 pts) completed the podium.
The men’s and women’s individual sprint events will take place today.
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