Fatehah has the track record to help out in coaching role

There is a dire shortage of woman track cyclists coming through the ranks and former international Fatehah Mustapa (pic) intends to change this by accepting a coaching role with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).

MNCF vice-president Firdaus Arshad believes the 31-year-old’s 15-year experience in cycling will stand her in good stead to nurture youngsters into potential champions.

“Fatehah will help our development head coach Soud Hussin to help find and groom talents for the national cycling team, especially in the women’s track discipline.

“Her contract and salary matters will be sorted out by the National Sports Council.

“We do not have enough women track cyclists at the moment and we hope to get more to come out through the ranks as track cycling offers lots of medal opportunities,” said Firdaus.

Fatehah, a two-time Olympian cyclist, announced her retirement in April after almost two decades in track cycling.

The 31-year-old Fatehah trained under coach John Beasley in Australia for more than a decade and has chalked up numerous firsts for Malaysia in women’s track cycling.

She is the only Malaysian female cyclist to win gold at the Asian Cycling Championships – not once but twice (in Kuala Lumpur in 2012 and in New Delhi in 2013).

She is also the only Malaysian woman to win a UCI Track World Cup medal – after riding to silver in the keirin event at the Mexico leg in 2014.

That same year saw Fatehah making history by winning silver in the keirin event at the Incheon Asian Games. It is still the only medal for Malaysia in women’s cycling at the Asian Games level.