KUALA LUMPUR — National track cycling legend Datuk Azizulhasni Awang has cautioned that Malaysian cycling could struggle to maintain its momentum if long-serving coach and technical director John Beasley leaves the programme.
Azizulhasni said Beasley has played a pivotal role in elevating Malaysia into a respected force on the global track cycling stage, and warned that finding a successor of similar calibre would be extremely difficult.
“If John leaves, our cycling programme could be heading into difficult territory,” Azizulhasni wrote on social media today.
“He is the man who transformed Malaysian cycling from virtually nothing into a world-class force.
“Malaysia will face a huge challenge in finding another coach of John’s calibre.
“He is not only exceptional in coaching, planning and athlete development, but also brings a warm, family-oriented approach that has earned the respect and trust of so many riders.”
Beasley, who has been involved with Malaysian cycling for nearly two decades, first served as head coach of the national track sprint squad before being appointed technical director last year.
The Australian has recently indicated that he may step down at the end of the year, citing frustrations over bureaucracy, political interference and what he described as weak grassroots development structures within the sport.
Azizulhasni noted that Beasley had remained committed to Malaysia despite receiving multiple international offers throughout his tenure.
“For years, he received offers from other countries, yet he chose to stay loyal to Malaysia,” he said.
“In fact, he even stepped away from his family’s cycling business, Beasley Cycles, in Melbourne — a company that had been operating for more than a century — to focus on developing cycling in Malaysia.
“After investing so much of himself in the programme, it is understandable that he would feel disappointed when things do not go according to plan.
“Having to deal with internal politics, resistance from certain local coaches who wanted him removed, and an environment that may not fully support high-performance ambitions would be frustrating for anyone.
“John has always been focused on performance, excellence and long-term development. If he decides to move on, it would not be surprising if he chose to work in a country with a stronger high-performance culture and a more supportive environment.
“If he leaves, Malaysian cycling will not only lose a coach but also a leader who played a major role in putting our country on the world stage.
“Good luck to those who believe they can do better.”
Beasley has previously indicated that he may not see out his current contract, which runs until January 31 next year.
During his tenure in Malaysia, he has guided and developed several of the nation’s most prominent track cyclists, including Josiah Ng in the mid-2000s, and later riders such as Rizal Tisin, Fatehah Mustapa, Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Izzah Izzati Asri and Azizulhasni himself.