Azizul hopeful of reaching one final in three remaining TCL stops

PETALING JAYA: Cyclist Azizulhasni Awang (pic) remains hopeful of making his first final appearance in three remaining stops of the Track Champions League (TCL).

The Tokyo Olympic Games silver medallist took part in the first two rounds of the TCL but did not make it past the first round in both the individual sprint and keirin in Mallorca, Spain, and in Berlin, Germany.

Azizul, who had undergone open heart surgery to correct a coronary artery anomaly in April, is now in St-quentin-en-yvelines near Paris for the third round this weekend and is pleased to see incremental gains in his rides.

“For the sprint in Berlin, I felt a bit rusty in terms of tactics and decision making but I was better in

Mallorca,” said Azizul.

“I had a chance to block the Israeli rider (Mikhail Yakovlev) when he made a move but I played it too nice and stayed at the back.

“But this can happen when you are not quite fit enough. The decision to sprint has to come naturally through muscle memory and experience,” said Azizul, who added he had a better outing in the keirin.

“I got a good draw and was in second position behind (eventual winner) Harrie Lavreysen of Holland. I was feeling good.

“Unfortunately, two riders made contact with each other and looked like they were going to crash just when I was about to launch my sprint.

“My reaction was to stay safe, so I went towards the outside and went very close to the fence. I tried to chase but it was already too late by then.

“I am just grateful that I did not crash as I have only just recovered (from surgery).

“My performance is slowly getting sharper and I believe my results after this will be better.

“I hope to make at least one final,” said the 34-year-old former keirin world champion.

There are three heats for men’s keirin and the top two riders from each heat will advance to the final.

Azizulhasni is currently 10th among 18 riders in the overall men’s sprint category standings with 20 points after two rounds.

After Paris, it will be London’s turn to host the last two rounds of the TCL.