Azizulhasni Awang delivered a surprise performance at the National Track Cycling Championships in Nilai, winning the men’s elite 1km time trial gold with a personal best of 1:01.134s on 12 JUNE.
The 38-year-old beat Hafiq Jafri, who clocked 1:02.584s for silver, while defending champion Fadhil Zonis settled for bronze in 1:02.948s at the National Velodrome.
What made the result more impressive was that Azizul achieved his best time without wearing a speed suit or shoe covers, equipment typically used in major competitions.
“I did not set a high target in the time trial because my main purpose was only to get a true picture of my physical condition ahead of the bigger championship,” Azizul said.
“I did not wear a speed suit or shoe cover, so I think this 1:01 time is quite impressive. At the same time, I am happy to beat the time that my former national teammate Rizal Tisin had done even though I never really thought of going faster than that.”
The time trial victory came a day after Azizul also claimed the elite men’s sprint title, giving him a double gold haul at the championships.
The outing served as a crucial fitness test for Azizul ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He said his focus would now shift to fine-tuning his programme, recovery and rest in the final preparation phase.
Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri of Kedah defended her women’s elite 1km time trial title with a time of 1:07.900s. Johor’s Nur Alyssa Farid took silver in 1:08.594s, while Penang’s Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan claimed bronze in 1:09.595s.
Source: NST
