Malaysia set to send strongest track cycling squad for SEA Games
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation of Malaysia (MNCF) will send their strongest track cycling squad, led by Track Nation Cup keirin champion Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom, for the Thailand SEA Games in December.
MNCF finally breathed a sigh of relief when they received approval to send 28 national cyclists under category A to compete in the SEA Games.
The decision was reached after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) selection meeting saw the national road cycling team obtain additional funds to compete in the Thailand SEA Games.
MNCF secretary Ahmad Arif Astaman said they were grateful for the approval of the justification presented on putting all except three cyclists under category A.
"We will send national cyclists to compete in all four disciplines - road, track, BMX and mountain bike," said Ahmad.
"MNCF will also commit the strongest team for the track cycling events. Track cycling is rarely held at the SEA Games and the current batch of cyclists have never had the chance to compete before, so we will give them the opportunity to stand on the podium.
"Malaysia will be chasing for gold medals in especially the road and track cycling disciplines.
"We are grateful for the support shown by the National Sports Council (NSC) and OCM.
"It's also due to the close cooperation with NSC and OCM who understand our needs at the SEA Games.
"This (putting under category A) will boost the confidence of the cyclists to perform their best and bring glory to the country.''
Malaysia should dominate the men's track cycling competition, which takes place at the outdoor Hua Mak Velodrome in Bangkok.
Thailand have four events for men (team sprint, keirin, team pursuit and points race) while the scratch race is the event for the women.
Malaysia emerged overall champions with 13 golds the last time track cycling was contested at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
The national road cycling team, with support from Terengganu Cycling Team and MPC's predecessor Team Sapura Cycling, have consistently delivered gold for Malaysia at the SEA Games over the past decade.
Malaysia have won six gold medals in men's road cycling over the last five editions of the SEA Games.
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