KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian track cycling has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, evolving from relative obscurity into one of Asia’s strongest cycling nations. At the centre of this progress is Australian John Beasley, who has worked with Malaysia since 2006 and recently took on the role of technical director.
The nation’s performance at the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC) in Nilai was a testament to this progress, with Malaysia securing third place in the overall medal tally. The squad brought home 16 medals across elite and junior categories, including record-breaking performances from emerging talents.
However, while the high-performance system appears to be thriving, long-term sustainability remains a key challenge. Beasley acknowledges that success in cycling requires more than just individual talent—it demands a structured ecosystem that nurtures athletes, coaches, and support staff.
Building a System for the Future
“This has been a long-term project since 2006,” Beasley told Scoop. “Along the way, I was asked by other nations to lead their programme for more money, but I’ve never been motivated by money. I’m motivated by projects, and Malaysia has given me an opportunity to work on one from the ground up.”
While Beasley’s commitment is clear, Malaysia’s cycling ambitions must extend beyond the tenure of one individual. The challenge lies in ensuring that the systems put in place will continue to function effectively in the future. Too often, Malaysian sports programmes have suffered from inconsistent leadership and a lack of continuity once key figures depart.
In his current role, Beasley is focused on mentoring young coaches, believing that this will create the most significant long-term impact.
“I’ve been grooming some coaches for many years after carefully selecting them, and I believe we now have the best group of coaches Malaysia has ever had,” he said.
The People Behind the Results
While star athletes like Datuk Azizulhasni Awang have brought Malaysian cycling to global prominence, Beasley insists that behind every podium finish are dedicated coaches and staff. Over the years, he has built a core team that has worked together for over a decade, ensuring stability and continuity.
Currently, the national cycling setup includes:
Elite sprint coach – Harnizam Basri
Elite sprint assistant coach – Muhammad Edrus Md Yunos
Elite endurance coach – Amir Mustafa Rusli
Junior sprint coach – Herman Terryn
Junior sprint assistant coach – Muhammad Azri Yusoh
Junior endurance coach – Muhammad Adiq Hussainie Othman
Beasley is known for demanding high standards from both his athletes and staff. “I won’t tolerate lazy athletes or staff. We work in the field of high performance, and it is a constantly changing, dynamic industry. You must keep up with trends and evolve, or you are no longer a valued member of the team,” he said.
This culture has led to significant breakthroughs at the ACC, including:
Sawda Hasbullah (17) winning gold in the women’s junior 1km time trial, setting a world record of 1:10.818.
Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri claiming bronze in the women’s sprint and defending her keirin title, beating reigning world champion Mina Sato of Japan. She also set a new Asian record in the elite 1km time trial (1:06.229).
New Joe Lau securing fourth place in the men’s elite omnium, the best-ever result for Malaysia in an Olympic track endurance event.
Ridwan Sahrom and Shah Firdaus battling for bronze in the men’s sprint, with Shah Firdaus edging out his younger brother.
Sustaining Success Beyond 2025
While the 2025 ACC was a promising indicator of progress, the true test will be maintaining this trajectory towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond.
Unlike many national programmes that rely on sporadic talent, Beasley has plans to engage high schools and get kids into track cycling earlier, ensuring a steady pipeline of future champions.
His goal isn’t just to develop one or two standout stars but to create depth in every discipline, with fierce competition for national team spots.
“For the first time, we have pressure on places to get into the team. This has never been the situation in the past, so it is looking encouraging at the beginning of the LA 2028 Olympic cycle,” he said.
However, ensuring continued success will require more than just talent—it demands consistent investment in facilities, coaching development, and grassroots recruitment. Malaysia’s cycling programme has relied heavily on Beasley’s leadership, and the challenge now is to ensure that the structures he has built remain intact when he eventually moves on.
“It’s a project that I will never see the result of, but one I am committed to seeing through as long as Malaysia sees value in what I can bring,” Beasley said.
Malaysian cycling has made significant strides, but whether it can sustain this progress in the long run will depend on how well the sport builds on its current momentum. — March 1, 2025