KUALA LUMPUR — National cycling technical director John Beasley is set to leave Malaysian cycling after informing the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) that he does not intend to renew his contract when it expires on Jan 31, 2027.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari said the decision was made by the Australian coach following a series of discussions with KBS and National Sports Council (NSC) officials on the future direction of the national cycling programme.
Taufiq stressed that Beasley’s impending departure was not initiated by KBS or the NSC, but was a personal decision made after careful consideration.
“We have held discussions with Beasley and the NSC. I personally sent representatives to engage in detailed discussions with him. What matters most now is the development of our athletes and ensuring the continued progress of cycling in Malaysia,” he told reporters after the launch and route announcement of Le Tour de Langkawi 2026 at Menara KBS today.
His remarks come amid speculation over Beasley’s future, with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) recently clarifying that the Australian had not resigned and would continue carrying out his duties until the end of his contract.
Despite uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, Taufiq said Beasley remains fully committed to preparing the national cycling squad for major assignments, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
“He expressed a wish to step down honourably, but we requested that he remain with the team through these important assignments. An agreement was reached for him to continue until the end of next year,” said Taufiq.
The minister also did not rule out the possibility of Beasley reconsidering his decision in the future.
Taufiq revealed that Beasley is preparing a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the momentum of Malaysian cycling is maintained after his departure.
The Australian is also expected to recommend several coaching candidates capable of continuing the programme and sustaining its recent successes.
“He will prepare a blueprint outlining how the momentum of Malaysian cycling can be maintained. He will also propose several coaching candidates to continue the legacy,” he said.
Addressing allegations and claims circulating on social media regarding internal issues within the sport, Taufiq said KBS and the NSC would continue to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement rather than taking sides.
“I prefer that matters are discussed formally and professionally. I do not wish to side with anyone. We must approach this rationally. For me, the key issue is not who is right or wrong, but the development of our athletes. We need to find solutions together,” he said.
Beasley has been one of the most influential figures in Malaysian cycling, particularly through his work with national track cycling icon Azizulhasni Awang.
Under his guidance, Azizulhasni captured the 2017 world keirin title, won bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics and secured a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping establish Malaysia as a respected force in international track cycling. – June 25, 2026