Track Cyclist Muhammad Hafiq Targets Olympics In Endurance Category

By R. Vikneswaran

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Up-and-coming track cyclist Muhammad Hafiq Mohd Jafri believes he can elevate the endurance category to greater heights, including the Olympics, if given more opportunities to compete.

Muhammad Hafiq, who turned 20 on Jan 21, is optimistic that the new generation of cyclists can excel in endurance events such as the omnium and points race, which require high stamina.

Traditionally, Malaysian cyclists have shone in sprint events like the keirin and sprint, exemplified by national stars Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, and former cyclist Josiah Ng.

“My teammates and I are working to raise the profile of endurance events by reaching podium finishes or competing in bigger races, possibly even the Olympics. However, we need to participate in many competitions to collect ranking points and gain exposure.

“Qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (LA28) seems tough, but with ample opportunities to compete, we might make it,” he told Bernama recently.

The Melaka-born cyclist, who began his career through Junior Cycling Malaysia (JCM) in 2016, hopes to compete at the Thailand SEA Games from Dec 9-20, which will feature several track cycling events.

Muhammad Hafiq, who idolises Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist in omnium Benjamin Thomas of France and Tokyo 2020 keirin silver medallist Mohd Azizulhasni, is currently preparing for the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championship (ACT) in Nilai next month.

“I hope to compete in the omnium this time. During my first elite-level appearance last year in New Delhi, I finished seventh. This year, I aim to improve that result.

“However, I know reaching the podium won’t be easy due to tough competition from riders from Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, such as Bernard Van Aert, who has Olympic experience,” said the cyclist, who joined the senior national squad last year.

Previously, Muhammad Hafiq secured a silver medal in the junior omnium category at ACT 2022 in New Delhi and another in the points race at the 2023 edition held at the National Velodrome in Nilai. He also claimed bronze in the 1,000m time trial at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Track cycling is classified into two categories: sprint events, including the keirin, sprint, and time trial, which typically span three to eight laps, and endurance events such as the pursuit, scratch race, points race, madison, and omnium, which test riders' stamina over longer distances.

-- BERNAMA