KUALA LUMPUR: National cycling athlete, Jupha Somnet is ready for an expected, packed schedule for the rest of this year.
The Perlis born cyclist is needed by the country to be on top of her game as she is expected to represent Malaysia in the road event at the Manila Sea Games later this year and the Asian Track Cycling Championship (ACC) in South Korea come October.
“Yes it is very tough indeed because there are different disciplines involved, but as a national athlete I am ready to take up the challenge. What’s most important is that I am able to succeed for the country,” she said.
She explained that initially earlier this year, her focus was on the road event with the hope of being able to win gold for the country in the mass start event in the Philippines for the Sea Games.
“It is difficult because the challenge has gotten higher especially with the emergence of cyclists from Vietnam and Thailand. Though it is not impossible to achieve success with proper, earlier planning and preparations long with the relevant exposure to achieve something noteworthy,” said Jupha.
According to Jupha, she will be taking part in a couple of cycling events and races before returning to focus on the track aspect in June or July.
“I am also taking part in the ACC which takes place in South Korea. So I will need to be as ready as ever to make a positive impact on the track. Planning and preparations have already been made with me taking part in a couple of championships such as the Track Asia Cup which is part of preparations,” said Jupha who took gold at the ACC two years ago.