KUALA LUMPUR – National track cycling technical director John Beasley has said that Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom’s performance at the Nations Cup in Hong Kong is disappointing but revealed that the cyclist suffered from food poisoning.
The 28-year-old crashed out in the first round repechage in the keirin event yesterday and was defeated by Frenchman Sebastien Vigier in the first round of the men’s individual sprint at the Hong Kong Velodrome today.
“Shah Firdaus’ performance appeared disappointing based on his results. Unfortunately, he suffered from food poisoning in Malaysia on the night we departed for Hong Kong.
“He was very sick for two days, losing 5kg, so he was never going to perform at his best after that.
“He’s aware of the standard and knows what he needs to commit to if he is going to be at his best and ready for Paris.
“Though that’s my job to speak through what is required both on and off the bike in the run into Paris. The media can judge him then,” said Beasley.
Meanwhile, the Australian is pleased with the performance of Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri.
“Ridwan did a personal best time in the flying 200m time trial this morning (sprint qualifying round).
“Unfortunately, he missed the cut by two places. He just lacks racing and it showed here.
“Nurul Izzah on the other hand raced well here. You have to remember she is just 20 years old and is probably the fastest youngster in the Nations Cup.
“She is a Project 2028 rider and knows where she is at and working to get to where she wants to be in a few years,” added the Beasley.
Ridwan also crashed out in the first round repechage in the keirin yesterday but did not make it out of the qualifying round of the individual sprint today.
Yesterday, Nurul Izzah failed to advance to the first round of the women’s individual sprint and crashed out of the keirin in the first round repechage today.
She will head to the next Nations Cup leg in Milton, Canada starting from April 12 to 14. – March 17, 2024