Azizul prefers hybrid training in bid for final Olympic push

PETALING JAYA: Track cycling star Azizulhasni Awang prefers a hybrid training programme as he prepares to make a final bid for an Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

He will be largely based in Melbourne, Australia but will also be together with the national track team under head coach Harnizam Basri in the lead up to the major assignments.

But more importantly, Azizul will have a strong medical and science support system behind him in his bid to become the first Malaysian athlete to make a sixth Olympic campaign.

Azizul’s requests were conveyed to Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohd Taufiq Johari in a meeting recently.

“My priority was a support system capable of ensuring that my preparations and recovery were maintained at the highest level,” said Azizul.

“A hybrid training arrangement will suit me, dividing my time between Melbourne and Malaysia according to training, competition and sponsorship commitments.

“The most important aspect for me is to have a dedicated physiotherapist and massage therapist while I am in Malaysia.

“I have never had these services specifically dedicated to me throughout my time with the national team. I think this is my biggest priority and should not be taken lightly,” said the former world keirin champion, who will turn 40 during the 2028 Olympics.

Azizul’s first major assignment next year will be the Asian Championships at the National Velodrome in Nilai, followed by the UCI Track World Cup series.

The World Cup events next year will be held in Canada, Hong Kong and China, before the World Championships in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, in August.

“All these are the designated events offering Olympic qualification points and will be super competitive as all the riders will be out to do well to have a chance to qualify for the Olympics.

“These are the events we need to prioritise and prepare well for,” said the two-time Olympic medallist.

Azizul has enjoyed the best season of his career this year, winning two keirin gold and two bronze medals in the World Cup series, the keirin gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and the keirin gold and individual sprint bronze at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games last month.