KUALA LUMPUR: National coach John Beasley will have two key missions for his track cyclists starting next year.
The first is to ensure that Azizulhasni Awang and Shah Firdaus Sahrom reach peak form, aiming to challenge for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simultaneously, Beasley is committed to grooming the younger cyclists to become strong contenders at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The cycling team have several promising youngsters, notably Ridwan Sahrom and Umar Hasbullah, who, alongside Fadhil Zonis, secured the men's team sprint bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
Additionally, the women's team, comprising debutantes Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan, Nurul Izzah Izzati, and Anis Amira Rosidi, clinched the sprint bronze at the same Games.
Reflecting on their performances, Beasley said these emerging talents displayed great promise in Hangzhou but need more time and experience to develop into top-tier cyclists.
"The Asian Games outing gave them a newfound sense of belief. They now arrive at training sessions with a smile and bring their best effort," said the Australian.
Beasley also praised their commitment and willingness to work harder, realising that success doesn't come easily in the competitive world of cycling.
The cyclists are gearing up for their new training cycle for the 2024 season.
They will compete in events such as the Nation Cup in Adelaide (Feb 2-4), New Delhi Asian Championships (Feb 21-26), Nation Cup in Hong Kong (March 15-17), Nation Cup in Milton (April 12-14), the Paris Olympic Games (Aug 5 – 11) and the World Championship in Denmark (Oct 16 – 20) next year.
The team will have a training camp in Mallorca (March 18 – April 7) as well as a wind tunnel testing session in Silverstone (April 8–9).
"We are starting our new training cycle. I need these athletes to gain more muscle to produce more power, so it's back to basics and doing the fundamental exercises that most athletes dislike.
"This includes intense gym work with numerous sets and repetitions, known as hypertrophy, along with additional track training focusing on acceleration.
"This is where we always kickstart our campaign for our next assignment. After the Paris Olympics, the goal will be to help at least six cyclists qualify for the LA Games."