Malaysia can count on the cyclists to shine again at the next Olympics as indicated by the fighting performances by Azizul and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom in Tokyo. Besides focusing on keirin, qualification for the team sprint should be in coach John Beasley’s plan for the next Olympic cycle. It is definitely not easy for Malaysia to aim for team sprint qualification with only eight slots at stake but it’s worth trying. Azizul will not be the only medal hope as Shah Firdaus will be stronger and more experienced by then. Shah Firdaus will be 28 in 2024 and should be in his prime.
