Cycling

Cycling: Fadhil hopes for reunion Down Under

TRACK cyclist Fadhil Zonis looks forward to returning to the national elite squad's training base in Melbourne as soon as the borders reopen.

Fadhil, who has been based there together with Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Azizulhasni Awang in recent years, was caught out by Covid-19 restrictions in March and he has been unable to return to Australia.

The 22-year-old had a strong outing at the World Championships in March where he clocked one minute and 0.305 seconds in the 1 kilometre time trial.

It was a time that had him breaking the Asian record in the discipline.

"I came back to Malaysia for a short break after the World Championships as I also had to renew my (Australian) visa," said Fadhil, when met at National Velodrome, Nilai yesterday.

"Unfortunately, the MCO was enforced just a day before I was going to apply for my visa and I have been training here since then.

"There are plans for me to return to Melbourne but it all depends on when the Australian authorities open up their borders. There are no restrictions in regard to leaving Malaysia at the moment.

"I think Shah and Azizul are also keen for me to return as they are a bit bored of only training with each other."

Fadhil said he is focusing on the UCI Nations Cup, formerly known as the UCI World Cup Series, which is expected to be held from March to September.

"The Nations Cup is something I look forward to especially as I won't be going to the Olympics. It gives me a target to aim for."

Yesterday, Fadhil took part in the internal test meet, dubbed the "(John) Beasley Carnival", for national backup riders. The meet, which ends on Thursday, is being held behind closed doors at National Velodrome.

The Selangor-born rider, who clocked 1:01.855s for the 1km time trial, said he was pleased with his current level of performance, considering he is still in a heavy training phase.

"I know it's not a fast time but I am quite happy considering we are at the end of the year and I did not taper for this event," said Fadhil.

"It was good to just get a chance to experience this kind of meet environment again after so long."

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