PETALING JAYA: Finding another coach of John Beasley's calibre will be no easy task for Malaysian cycling.
This was highlighted by Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill in a statement on Oct 22 (Thursday).
The 64-year-old Australian is heading to Japan to work alongside head coach Jason Niblett after completing his final assignment with Malaysia at the World Championships in Shanghai last week, which marked an end of two decades with the national elite team.
Beasley, who joined Malaysia as national track coach on Jan 1 of 2006, will officially end his service on Oct 31.
Amarjit said Beasley's departure will leave a void for the national body, the National Sports Council (NSC), the Youth and Sports Ministry and the riders.
"Beasley has been with us for more than two decades. During that time, he has produced many world-class riders, including Azizulhasni Awang.
"The revolution at world level began with Rizal Tisin and Azizul, followed by Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
"We must also remember Beasley's sacrifices and contributions in developing Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri," said Amarjit.
Azizul went on to become keirin world champion in 2017, one of the standout achievements during Beasley's tenure.
Other riders who benefited from his guidance included Josiah Ng and Fatehah Mustapa as Malaysia established themselves as a force in international track cycling.
Amarjit thanked Beasley for his commitment, dedication, and contributions, adding his service to Malaysian cycling would be difficult to replace.
MNCF also held a special farewell attended by representatives from the NSC, the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Sports Institute and officials who had worked with Beasley over the years.
