PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s loss is set to be Japan’s gain.
Outgoing Malaysian cycling technical director John Beasley is taking up a new coaching role with Japan’s cycling team in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Beasley revealed his next destination after serving with the Malaysian cycling team for the last two decades.
He will leave the Malaysian cycling set-up at the end of this month after his final assignment at the World Championships in Shanghai from Oct 14-18.
“I was weighing my options for a long time. I will be assisting head coach Jason Niblett and will also be doing some development work and bringing expertise to the programme.
“Interestingly, I coached Niblett when he was a junior and he went on to win the World Junior Championships back in 2001, so it feels like things have gone full circle.
“He offered me a place in the coaching set-up when there was turmoil going on a few months back.
“I thought the bosses at home would have stood up for me, but they did not.
“Eventually, you realise that perhaps your contribution is no longer valued in the way it once was, and I knew it was time to move on to an environment where your experience, knowledge and commitment can again make a difference.
“I feel like a supporting role will suit me as I am getting old anyway,” said Beasley, who added that there was also a sentimental reason for remaining in coaching until the LA Olympics.
“My father (John Beasley Sr) was the official mechanic for the Australian cycling team when they competed at the 1984 LA Olympics, so it would be nice to end my coaching career there,” said the 64-year-old.
Beasley wrapped up his final multi-sport Games assignment on a high as the Malaysian cycling team secured one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Games in Shizuoka.
Veteran Azizulhasni Awang remained the toast of the Malaysian team as he romped to gold in the keirin and bronze in the individual sprint.
The silver came from the women’s team sprint squad of Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, Nur Aliana Syafika Azizan, Anis Amira Rosidi and Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid.
Izzah also claimed bronze in the women’s keirin.
