KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 Azizulhasni Awang will get back on the saddle earlier than expected at the UCI Track Champions League series next month.
The UCI event is a prestigious one-day sprint competition in four European cities involving 18 men and 18 women cyclists.
The Pocket Rocketman was given an exemption to skip the qualification for the competition due to his status as the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist and a former world No. 1.
The races will take place in Mallorca (Nov 12), Berlin (Nov 19), St Quentin En Yvelines (Nov 26), and London (Dec 2-3).
"To my supporters and followers, I have very exciting news to share with you guys. I was invited by the UCI to race at the Track Champion League for this season," Azizul posted on his social media accounts.
"I can't wait to put on the skinsuit again and perform in front of you guys. To all my supporters, please come and support me."
It was only in April that Azizul, 34, underwent a heart operation in Melbourne after he was diagnosed with anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery.
He missed out on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and it was only in August that he got back on the bike as part of the rehabilitation process.
"My main objective is to get back in top shape by the Hangzhou Asian Games in September next year. I have not been competing for so long and I want to get back the feeling first," he said.