KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s track cycling team head coach John Beasley is not fielding two female cyclists, Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan and Anis Amira Rosidi, for the UCI Nations Cup in Hong Kong which begins today.
Instead, Beasley is fielding Asia’s champion, Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri, along with several regular cyclists such as Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Fadhil Zonis, and Ridhwan Sahrom in the men’s category.
Malaysia’s cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang is also sitting out this competition as he continues his recovery process since concluding the Nations Cup campaign in Adelaide, Australia last February.
According to Beasley, this decision was made to provide rest for Aliana and Anis, as both of them also have commitments to their studies.
“Yes, it is all about the development of the young women.
“Over the past year, I have taken them to many competitions and they are progressing nicely, though they need a break at some point to reset and rebuild for the next Olympic assault.
“They have all been briefed on the plan and each has their own individual programmes.
“Every time you travel on long-haul flights, you lose valuable training time. Our athletes and staff all travel in economy, and it is not easy to get off a long-haul flight and expect a good performance.
“(Due to the) long-haul flights and adjustments to time zones, it’s not easy to function at 100% for a normal person – so think about the poor athletes.
“Also, the women cyclists are all attending university in Malaysia, so it’s just a management thing and part of preparing them to build the body for the next four-year cycle,” said Beasley.
The national track cycling squad is geared up for the campaign to continue their winning momentum after clinching two gold medals, two silvers, and three bronzes at the Asian Track Cycling Championships in New Delhi last month. – March 15, 2024