KUALA LUMPUR – The national track cycling backup squad will get a new head coach with impressive credentials, according to the Malaysian National Cycling Federation’s (MNCF) acting deputy president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill.
The individual in mention is Herman Terryn, a former head coach of the French national team, acclaimed for his pivotal role in guiding 24-year-old Mathilde Gros to two European keirin championships in 2018 and 2019 and a world title in the sprint last year.
Amarjit said the national cycling body had conducted an interview session to look for a new coach for the backup squad last week.
Today, the National Sports Council (NSC) has given its nod to hire Terryn, who is set to assume his role in January 2024.
Amarjit said the addition of Terryn to the fold will bring a new chapter to the national backup squad.
“With his experience as head coach of the French national track cycling team, this will raise the level of our backup cyclists,” Amarjit told reporters at the NSC after an MNCF-NSC working committee meeting today.
No key performance indicators have been established yet for Terryn, as he has yet to meet the backup cyclists.
“The KPI will be determined when all stakeholders, NSC, MNCF and Terryn sit down and discuss the plan.
“He has yet to meet our riders, he needs to measure their performance and gauge their level before determining the best course of action for our cyclists.
“We need to give him time so he can make the best decision for his long-term planning,” added Amarjit.
He also mentioned the duration of Terryn’s contract has yet to be decided but in principle, the appointment will be made.
While the duration of Terryn’s contract is yet to be finalised, the MNCF also announced the inclusion of local coaches to further strengthen the national set-up.
Adiq Husainie Othman will take charge of coaching track cyclists, while Muhammad Azri Yusoh and Aqilah Atasha Salman will contribute to the road team’s coaching staff. – December 14, 2023