Dare to dream of gold
Firdaus hopes to beat world champ Azizul in sprint
TRACK cyclist Azizulhasni Awang is the world champion and Rio Olympic bronze medallist in men's keirin.
But Muhd Shah Firdaus Sahrom is unfazed by his teammate’s reputation and harbours hopes of stealing the men's sprint gold from Azizul.
Track cycling takes centrestage at the National Velodrome in Nilai from today, with Malaysia aiming to grab the lion’s share of the 13 golds at stake.
The loudest cheers from the stands should greet Azizul when he makes his first appearance at the newlybuilt velodrome for the men’s sprint qualifying tomorrow.
Azizul will be wearing the rain bow jersey, the same one he was awarded after winning the historic gold for Malaysia at the World Track Cycling Championships in Hong Kong in March.
Rising star Firdaus, however, also has his eyes on the sprint gold.
“I’ve been training with him for some time and he is my mentor. But it’s an open affair once we’re all on the track. I’ve to stay focused and grab any chance I get.
“I will try to make the final and, hopefully, win the gold.
“I'm also targeting a second gold in the 1km time trial,” said Firdaus, who was surprisingly not entered for the keirin although he won a bronze in the event at the World Cup final round in Los Angeles, the United States, in February.
Firdaus gave up his slot in keirin to focus on the 1km time trial.
Mohd Shariz Afendi will be the second rider in keirin with Azizul.
Shariz will also bid for a second gold in the team sprint with Mohd Khairul Nizam Rasol and Mohd Fadhil Mohd Zonis.
Fatehah Mustapa, the 2014 Incheon Asian Games silver medallist, and Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan will fly the Jalur Gemilang in the women’s sprint, keirin, team sprint and 500m time trial.
The first day of the track cycling competition offers four golds – women’s omnium, scratch; and team sprint for men and women.