Pocket Rocketman Overcomes Fatigue For Sprint Podium Finish In Nilai

NILAI, April 26 (Bernama) -- Lack of rest and sleep did not stop national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang from clinching the bronze medal in the men’s individual sprint at the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Cup at the National Velodrome here tonight.

Azizulhasni, nicknamed the “Pocket Rocketman”, admitted facing challenges after being unable to sleep due to adrenaline and caffeine intake ahead of the keirin race yesterday, which affected his recovery ahead of the sprint event.

The 38-year-old had to battle fatigue throughout the day, but he remained determined to stay focused through each round and eventually secured a podium finish.

“After finishing here late last night, I went back and tried to sleep, but couldn’t. I think it was due to the adrenaline and coffee intake before the race, so it was quite difficult to fall asleep, just light sleep.

“I could only lie down, turning left and right until around 6.30 am before having to get ready for the warm-up session as the (sprint) qualification started early in the morning,” he said when met after the race here.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist said the challenge intensified after the quarter-final stage, as the short recovery period, with only about an hour before returning to the track, affected his performance.

Commenting on the semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago rider Nicholas Paul, the 2017 world champion said he started well by winning the first race, but a lack of energy took its toll in the subsequent races.

“In the second race, he (Paul) used a long sprint strategy, and I couldn’t match it due to a lack of energy and using a smaller gear. In the deciding race, he started the sprint earlier, and my physical condition did not allow me to respond,” he said.

The Dungun, Terengganu-born athlete admitted experiencing extreme fatigue after the semi-final, but managed to bounce back in the bronze medal decider thanks to strong support from fans.

“I tried to recover by focusing on my breathing before the bronze medal race. Although I was still tired and sleepy, I wanted to give my best for the supporters who came. I did not want to disappoint them, especially those who travelled from afar,” said Azizulhasni, who also won the gold in the keirin event yesterday.

World champion Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands won the gold in the sprint event today, redeeming his second-placed finish in the keirin, while Paul settled for silver.

For the record, Azizulhasni also won bronze in the men’s individual sprint at the World Cup series in Perth, Australia, in March.

-- BERNAMA