KUALA LUMPUR – The chairman of the Malaysian cycling body’s road cycling bureau has amplified the concerns raised by national coach Mohd Yusof Nasir regarding the necessity for a structured programme for young road cycling talents after they turn 21.
Speaking to Scoop, Norazman Abu Samah said the issue had been brought up during a meeting of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation’s (MNCF) executive council, with plans to bring it to the attention of the National Sports Council (NSC).
“We must have a sit down with the NSC to find a mechanism on how to make sure talented road cyclists do not see their potential go to waste after they turn 21 – as they cease to receive support from the state sports councils.
“If they are lucky, they will get absorbed by the national set-up or teams like Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC) or the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) will bring them into their fold.
“If they are serious about pursuing their career and are unable to secure a seat at MPC or TSG, they can consider joining the Police or Armed Forces cycling squads,” said Norazman when contacted.
Addressing the absence of road cycling from NSC programmes, Norazman clarified despite its exclusion from formal initiatives, road cycling talents affiliated with the NSC, like the Paris Olympics-bound Nur Aisyah Zubir, continue to receive support.
“Road cycling is not like track cycling, where they are funded 100% by the NSC.
“For example, we will be heading to Kazakhstan in June for the Asian Road Cycling Championships.
“To finance our trip, we need to ask for funds from state associations and state sports councils.
The NSC will only provide full support for road cyclists such as Nur Aisyah, who has qualified for the Paris Games, added Norazman, who will be Malaysia’s cycling team manager for Paris.
Nur Aisyah is set to etch her name in history as the first female cyclist to represent Malaysia in the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, following her official nomination by the MNCF in November based on her ranking and consistent performance.
This opportunity comes as a result of the slot awarded to the country by the International Cycling Union. – March 6, 2024