KUALA LUMPUR — Para-cyclist Mohamad Yusof Hafizi has redeemed himself after a setback at the Paris Paralympics in September, now proudly holding the title of world number one in the Men’s Elite C1 category.
According to the latest update from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) world rankings, Yusof has accumulated 640 points, matching Li Zhang Yu (gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the 3000m IP and 1km TT) and Liang Weichong (silver medalist in the same events).
However, Yusof holds an advantage due to his broader participation in competitions, including the Class Continental Championships.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia’s para-cycling coach Salehuddin Mohd Noh predicted that Yusof would retain the world number one spot until early next year.
“We are, of course, thrilled with Yusof’s ranking in the para-track cycling squad. It’s an incredibly positive result for us,” he said.
“I expect this position to hold until the end of 2024, as there are only a few remaining events on the UCI race calendar, and it’s unlikely any other cyclist will surpass his points.”
The 27-year-old cyclist previously held the world number one ranking in February following an outstanding performance, where he won four gold medals at the Para Track Cycling Asian Championships in New Delhi, India.
A month later, at the World Para Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Yusof secured a bronze medal in the Men’s C1 1km Time Trial event.
However, he could not maintain this momentum at the Paris Paralympics, where he finished fifth out of 10 riders in the Men’s C1 individual time trial event. — December 5, 2024