KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continues to strengthen its standing as a preferred global sporting destination, with 46 countries confirming participation in the final round of the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup at the National Velodrome in Nilai from April 24 to 26.
National Cycling Federation of Malaysia (PKBM) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill described the turnout as “remarkable”, especially after a 25-year wait to host the prestigious event again.
“If I’m not mistaken, only 32 countries took part in the Track Cycling World Cup in Perth, Australia. Based on the latest figures, I can confirm that 46 countries have already registered for the Kuala Lumpur leg.
“I’m very proud of this achievement and hope more riders will join us at the National Velodrome in Nilai,” he told a press conference here today.
To date, 370 riders and 160 officials have confirmed their participation in the event.
Amarjit said among the star names confirmed are five-time Olympic champion Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands, Nicholas Paul (Trinidad and Tobago), Sebastien Vigier (France), Luca Spiegel (Germany) and Danial Staniszewski (Poland).
On the local front, national stars Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom are also expected to draw attention.
Meanwhile, Amarjit, who is also vice-president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), said the opening ceremony will be officiated by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah.
On preparations, Amarjit, who also serves as president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), said all parties involved have shown strong commitment in ensuring the success of the event.
“This will be a historic moment for Malaysian and Asian cycling. The event will serve as a key platform for Olympic qualifying points ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, which makes it very important,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Azizulhasni, known as ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, and Shah Firdaus will step up their preparations to deliver strong performances on home ground.
Malaysia last hosted the Track Cycling World Cup in 2001.
-- BERNAMA
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