KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — National track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom edged his senior and defending champion Mohd Azizulhasni Awang for the men’s keirin gold medal at the Australian National Track Cycling Championships, today.
Australia’s Matthew Richardson finished third at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane.
Earlier, in the first round, Azizulhasni was the fastest when he crossed the line in 10.35 seconds in Heat 1, while Shah Firdaus won Heat 2 clocking 10.53s.
“Riding on jelly (weak) legs, the punch just not yet at it is best. But, Alhamdulillah (thanks to Allah) it is always fun to finish on the podium. Massive thanks to Australia Cycling for their consent for us to be part of this prestigious Track National Championship,” Shah Firdaus posted on social media.
In last’s year edition held in December, Azizulhasni, 33, emerged champion while Shah Firdaus, 26, won the bronze.
In the sprint event yesterday, Azizulhasni and Shah Firdaus bagged the silver and bronze respectively as the 22-year-old Richardson bettered Azizulhasni in the final for gold.
Meanwhile, Azizulhasni, who is better known as ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, reiterated that Shah Firdaus has huge potential to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics in July.
“There are no words that can describe the men’s keirin final today, but terrific performance. Good ride by Shah Firdaus who executed perfect tactics for the final race and I can’t be more than happy with silver again today. This young boy is a track cycling version of Lee Zii Jia,” he said on his Facebook.
Zii Jia, Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, was the champion at this year’s All England championship that was held earlier this month.
— Bernama
