KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — The heat is on for the 2023 Asian Track Cycling Championship (ACC), as most of the elite riders from China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong begun arrivin in the country since last week.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM) president Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab said the riders from Taiwan, who were among the earliest to arrive on May 30, had already begun making preparations as soon as they landed in Malaysia.
“As of today, from what the secretariat has informed me, almost all the participating countries have arrived, only (contingents from) three countries, namely Thailand, Indonesia and India have not yet arrived.
“I expect all the riders from the three countries to arrive tomorrow (Monday) because the official training sessions will begin on Monday and Tuesday (June 13),” he said in a statement issued by PKBM today.
A total of 17 countries including Malaysia have confirmed participation in the prestigious event to be held at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, from June 14 to June 19.
Besides the heavyweights, among other countries to feature in the event are Kazakhstan, Macau, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Iran, and Laos.
Over 400 riders including 60 para (disabled) riders will participate in the tournament offering qualification points for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I believe this tournament will be the best race in Asia for the riders to collect important qualification points for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
“The same goes for the Malaysian riders who definitely want to take the opportunity to perform well at home,” Abu Samah said.
All eyes are set to be on national ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, who will be eyeing the gold in their respective events.
Mohd Azizulhasni, nicknamed The Pocket Rocketman, was reported as wanting to create his own legacy at the ACC this year, after having won 10 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals throughout his participation in the prestigious competition since 2007.
— Bernama
