Muhammad Fadhil Regains Form, Wins Gold In President's Cup Keirin Event

NILAI, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- National track cyclist Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis proved he is nearing his best after emerging as the champion in the men's elite keirin event at the ASEAN Track Series (President's Cup) today.

The 27-year-old clocked a perfect sprint time to win the final of the event at the National Velodrome here, defeating South Korean rider Kang Seojun, who claimed second place, while Australian rider Sam Gallagher took third place.

He was thrilled by the victory, saying it was a highly satisfying achievement after only managing to secure a silver in the Series One keirin event on Jan 15, finishing behind Seojun.

"I haven't won in the keirin event for a long time, so to be in first place is very satisfying. Actually, I was quite tired after three days of racing here.

"I knew that if I sprinted too early, it could give an advantage to the other riders. I knew I had to race smart in this final and wait as long as possible before making my move, and Alhamdulillah, it worked," he said after the race.

This victory marks his first international keirin win since his success at the 2021 UCI Nations Cup in Hong Kong.

Yesterday, Muhammad Fadhil also secured a silver medal in the men's elite individual sprint event after finishing behind his teammate, Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom.

However, Muhammad Ridwan did not qualify for the keirin final.

Meanwhile, the winning streak for national female cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri in the President’s Cup this year ended as she claimed a silver medal in the women's elite keirin event today.

The gold medal was won by South Korean cyclist Kim Haeun, who had lost to Nurul Izzah in the individual sprint event yesterday, while talented young rider Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid took the bronze.

-- BERNAMA