Shah Firdaus keen on 1km time trial in Gold Coast

KUALA LUMPUR: Muhd Shah Firdaus Sahrom (pic) is game to try out the 1km time trial event at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast next year.

Despite having no experience in the event, Muhd Shah bagged a silver in 1:02.356 at the KL SEA Games track cycling competition.

Teammate Mohd Fadhil Mohd Zonis clocked a stunning 1:01.889 to come within a whisker of breaking Rizal Tisin’s national record of 1:01.658 set at the World Track Cycling Championships in Poland in 2009.

Shah Firdaus is encouraged by his time despite not in peak condition after having to race the sprint final late at night the day before.

“The sprint final against Azizulhasni Awang ended late and then I had to go for doping test. I only got back to the hotel around 2am and only had a few hours of sleep before returning the next morning for the time trial.

“I’m happy I still managed to do 1:02 despite less than two months of preparation. I have never raced in the event and the technique is quite different.

“For the Commonwealth Games next year, two riders from each country can compete. I hope to get the chance to ride in the 1km time trial,” said the 21-year-old, who bagged a bronze in the keirin at the final leg of the Track World Cup in Los Angeles in February.

Shah Firdaus did not compete in the keirin at the KL Games but raced in the sprint where he won silver behind Azizul.

“It’s my first SEA Games and I still have a lot to learn. There are still bigger competitions ahead,” he said.