NILAI, April 10 (Bernama) -- National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang aims to reach the final in the final round of the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup, which will be held at the National Velodrome here from April 24-26.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medallist believes that it is a realistic target as it would give him the best chance to get on the podium.
He said this is because he has yet to reach his peak form, which he is reserving for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan in September.
"Personally, I can only do tapering for this meet, but my primary objective is the Asian Games. After that, we will reorganise the plan.
"So, this meet is more towards fine-tuning my preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games (in July) and the Asian Games,” he said when met after Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari's visit to the National Velodrome here today.
Commenting on the challenges of competing on home ground, the 2017 world champion, nicknamed the Pocket Rocketman, admitted that it could either pile on added pressure or spur him to victory.
He is expecting a tough ride with the expected presence of more riders, including those from Europe who would have competed in the earlier round of the series in Hong Kong.
He also views the rising level of competition as a positive development in assessing his true ability, having turned 38 in January.
"For me, the more challenges there are, the better. I prefer tough races because they give me a true measure of my abilities.
"I am also thrilled to be riding against the likes of Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen and Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as several other top-class cyclists, to see the level I'm at,” he said.
Mohd Azizulhasni also views the hosting of the Track Cycling World Cup as a positive development, saying it would pave the way for the sport's growth.
He said this was something many had been waiting for since the country already possesses world-class facilities that have not been fully utilised.
-- BERNAMA
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