PETALING JAYA: National track cycling head coach Harnizam Basri is taking a realistic approach at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next month, targeting Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Azizulhasni Awang to reach the individual final.
Harnizam said the competition this time is much more intense at the Commonwealth Games because the keirin and individual sprint events will gather together some of the world’s best riders.
“Our target is indeed to try to chase gold but all our opponents are strong and eyeing to do the same,” he said.
“Azizul is also there, so what is important now is to focus on entering the finals first.
“For Shah Firdaus, his target is the keirin final, while for Azizul, we are targeting the finals in the sprint and keirin events. When we are in the final, then we will look at the opportunity to chase medals.”
Harnizam added the national track squad have now entered the final phase of preparation with training more focused on speed, power and simulation of the actual race ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from July 23-Aug 2.
“We have entered the speed and strength phase.
“All training is more specific to the race with the use of motor-pace, race wheels and higher intensity.
“What we are doing now is all geared towards the actual race situation so that the racers are really ready when they are in Glasgow,” he said.
Apart from Shah Firdaus and Azizul, Malaysia will also be represented in the women’s keirin and sprint events by Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri and Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid.
Thailand SEA Games gold medallist Lau New Joe will be the sole representative in the men’s track endurance events.
For the record, Shah Firdaus brought home the keirin bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games four years ago.
It was the only medal won for Malaysia in track cycling.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
