Cycling

Azizulhasni out to 'seal his legacy' at Asian meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Azizulhasni Awang is looking to win at least one more gold medal in what will be his final appearance at the Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC) in Nilai on June 14-19.

Azizulhasni, who has amassed 10 ACC gold medals since 2007, said he has nothing left to prove in the competition and is looking to savour the occasion when he takes to the track at the National Velodrome.

The 35-year-old intends to retire from competitive cycling after the Paris Olympics next year.

"Yes, my target is to win at least one more gold, it doesn't really matter if it is in the individual sprint or the keirin. If I can win both, that would be even better," said Azizulhasni yesterday.

"I have already achieved 10 gold medals in ACC, so for me it is about sealing my legacy. For me there is no pressure, I always enjoy competitions and ACC is a big tournament. I want to challenge myself against the other good riders.

"And it is being held in Malaysia this time, so I want to put on a good show for the fans, hopefully we get a good turnout."

Azizulhasni expects to face quality riders at the Asian meet but is focusing more on his own preparations rather than worrying about the opposition.

"Based on what we saw during the Nations Cup in Jakarta (in February), I am expecting riders from China and Japan to perform strongly," he added.

"They have some good young riders coming up the ranks at the moment. It's not that we (Malaysian riders) are scared of them, but we have to be careful and respect their performances. Our focus, however, should be on our own preparations."

Azizulhasni and Shah Firdaus Sahrom will not be competing in the team sprint event at the ACC this time. Fadhil Zonis will lead the nation's charge in the discipline together with youngsters Ridwan Sahrom and Umar Hasbullah.

Umar, a product of Kedah's development programme, has just been promoted to the national senior squad this year.

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