KUALA LUMPUR: With Azizulhasni Awang out of the picture, there were no lofty expectations set on the national track cycling squad at the Commonwealth Games this year.
The cyclists, however, were still able to bring home one bronze medal from London through Shah Firdaus Sahrom via the men's keirin event.
It was a breakthrough performance from the Johor-born, who had never won an individual medal at a major multi-sport competition before the Games.
Shah, who turns 27 in November, has in recent years shown glimpses of his potential but left both fans and critics wondering whether he would ever truly match the big names in the sport when it mattered.
How he won his first-round and semi-final heats in the keirin and the ability to make space for himself after being boxed-in during the final, proves that he certainly can.
Shah also did well in the individual sprint event but was unlucky to be edged 2-1 by eventual winner Matthew Richardson of Australia in the quarterfinals.
Compatriot Fadhil Zonis, however, had a quiet outing. He placed 10th in the men's 1-kilometre time trial and did not make it past the first-round repechage in the keirin.
As for newcomers Ridwan Sahrom, Anis Amira Rosidi, Izzah Izzati Asri and Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan, the Games served more as an opportunity to gain world-class racing experience.
Beasley is optimistic that his current riders will continue to bloom with time and exposure to quality races.
"The last two tournament starts for Shah produced a silver (New Delhi Asian Championships) and a bronze (Commonwealth)," said Beasley.
"I am sure this is the start of Shah becoming a more consistent performer.
"Ridwan rode quite well in the keirin (first round) though you have to understand that he was up against some of the best riders in the world.
"He is young (21) and a good cyclist, but he still has a lot to learn.. that was why he was here. Give him a few years.
"For Ridwan, Izzah and Aliana, the pandemic had not been kind to their development. They were unable to travel for competitions. Furthermore, many racers were cancelled.
"It is only now that things are starting to open up again. However, there are still only limited racing opportunities in Asia, but plenty in Europe.
"We need more time to get more races into our young riders so they can improve."
Malaysia did not win any medals in track cycling at the 2018 Gold Coast edition. Azizulhasni's campaign was hampered by a viral infection at the time.
The Olympic silver medallist is recovering from heart surgery and did not compete in Birmingham.
Their next major assignment will be the World Championships in France on Oct 12-16.