Shah, Azizulhasni to sit out national championships
KUALA LUMPUR: The big boys will be out of the picture but plenty of action is expected when the National Track Cycling Championships kicks off at the Johor Velodrome in Iskandar Puteri tomorrow (May 21).
National track cycling team head coach Harnizam Basri confirmed that both Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Azizulhasni Awang will not be competing in the meet.
Shah has been troubled by knee tendonitis since February while Azizulhasni is still on the comeback trail as he has not raced since the Paris Olympics last year.
"Shah is still undergoing rehabilitation for his knee but has started riding again - though not at full pace - for the past two weeks," said Harnizam when contacted in Johor today.
"He did plan to race in just the keirin here, however, there is a rule where only two riders can represent each state in the elite events here.
"Shah's younger brother Ridwan and Akmal Nazimi Jusena will ride for Johor in the keirin, but Shah will still be at the races to give his support to all the riders.
"Datuk Azizulhasni will also not be racing here."
Harnizam said he does not expect national elite squad riders to be at their very best for the event as they have been undergoing a heavy strength training block and have not tapered for the event.
He is, however, keen to see riders from the state teams in action.
Johor and Terengganu are expected to continue their rivalry at the meet while Kedah are expected to shine in the women's events.
"Riders from the state teams always bring their best at the national championships and it will be no different this year," said Harnizam.
"We (coaches) are always on the lookout for new talent at the national championships and we are expecting to see some exciting young riders to shine this year.
"I believe it will be 50-50 between Johor and Terengganu for the overall title.
"Johor has strong sprinters while Terengganu has strong endurance riders."
Johor and Terengganu, who both have their own state velodromes, have among the strongest track cycling programmes in the country.
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