State cyclists to be selected based on points system
KUCHING: The selection of cyclists to represent Sarawak will be based on a point system from now on, said Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA) president Dato Benjamin Hasbie.
Speaking to a press conference on the sidelines of the SCA Criterium and Team Time Trial ( TTT) road race yesterday, he believed the point system will ensure a fair selection process with evidence of an athlete’s performance and tournament exposure prior to selection.
He revealed that state cyclists in previous years were selected based on a single race. This, he added, has proven to be a weakness based on Sarawak’s performance in the cycling competition at the Perak Sukma.
Meanwhi le, a total of 121 riders from Kuching, Miri, Sabah and Indonesia took part in the inaugural event yesterday by the new SCA commit tee. It was f lagged off in front of the Pandelela Rinong aquatic centre.
It was also announced that SCA will collaborate with cycling associations in Kalimantan, Indonesia to train Sarawak cyclists.
“By reaching out to ou r neighbours ( Indonesia) this will be cost effective in the long run,” Benjamin added.
Also present at yesterday’s press conference were Commission of the City of Kuching North ( DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai and Kuching Resident I smail Mohamad Hanis.