KUALA LUMPUR: Track cycling endurance rider Abdul Azim Aliyas is all smiles after a successful outing at the Launceston City Cycling Club Classic in Tasmania earlier this week.
The 20-year-old became the second Malaysian man to win the wheel race category in Launceston after Rizal Tisin (2008).
Azim, who was supported by teammates Haziq Abd Wahab, Zulfahmi Aiman Zulkurnain and Hafiq Mohd Jafri, held off New Zealand's Reuben Webster to clinch the win in one minute, 56.87 seconds.
Azim also won the men's B grade scratch race in 5:12.97s (15 Laps).
The Selangor-born rider hopes his success will help the track endurance discipline gain more attention in Malaysia.
"It (Launceston) was a good way to end the year," said Azim.
"My target this year was to break the (individual pursuit) national record but I wasn't able to achieve it. But I feel I still did well to win a number of local and international races.
"I hope my achievements will help track endurance events gain more attention.
"Malaysia is known for doing well in the sprint disciplines but I think we also have capable riders in the endurance events.
"With the right support, I believe endurance riders can deliver positive results as well."
Malaysia has produced a number of top track sprint discipline riders over the years, such as Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng and Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
Azim, who won gold in the individual pursuit and omnium at the Malaysia Games this year, believes he is maturing well as a rider and hopes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He is equally adept on the road and was signed by UCI continental side Kuwait Pro Cycling in March.
"I competed in several races in Europe this year and I feel it has helped me to improve and mature as an athlete," added Azim
"I hope to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics so I need to collect ranking points for it. It won't be easy but I'm ready to give my best and work hard for it."
Azim's next major assignment will be the Nations Cup in Jakarta on Feb 23-26.