KUALA LUMPUR: The future looks promising for the national track cycling team, going by their performance at the ongoing Track Nations Cup in Cairo.
On Wednesday, the men's sprint team, comprising Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Ridwan Sahrom and Fadhil Zonis, finished a commendable eighth at the Cairo International Velodrome.
They achieved it without former world keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang, who withdrew due to an injury.
Netherland's Jeffrey Hoogland, Harrie Lavreysen and Roy van den Berg won the gold medal, followed by France's Timmy Gillion, Rayan Helal and Sebastien Vigier.
Japan's Yoshikatsu Nagasako, Yuta Obara and Kiaya Ota pipped China's Gao Shuai, Xue Chen Xi and Zhao Yu for the bronze medal.Britain were fifth, followed by Poland, Germany and Malaysia.
National coach John Beasley said: "I am happy with the sprint team's performance. They are starting to peak nicely ahead of other assignments.
"This is our first top-eight finish in a world-level event. It is a good sign.
"Japan and China also finished top eight, and it shows Asian cycling is progressing," said Beasley.