Shah Firdaus Questions Beasley Replacement Plan

NILAI, July 7  (Bernama) -- National track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom has questioned the move by certain parties seeking to replace the national cycling team’s technical director, John Beasley.

In expressing his disappointment, Shah Firdaus said Beasley is not just an ordinary coach but has become a father figure to the country’s cyclists.

“If you ask me, I would ask the same question back to others: who? If they want to replace John (Beasley), who is capable of taking on that responsibility? That is my question.

“Don’t ask me, but ask those seeking to replace him. Who do they want to bring in?” he told reporters when met during the national track cycling team’s training session at the National Velodrome here today.

He said this when asked who would be suitable to replace Beasley, whose contract with the national track cycling squad is set to expire next January.

Previously, Beasley’s name became a hot topic following media reports claiming that he could step down from his position earlier than expected due to dissatisfaction over several internal issues.

Shah Firdaus also questioned whether those seeking to replace Beasley would be prepared to invest more money if they planned to bring in a new coach who is of a higher calibre.

“If some say his salary or contract cost is high, the question now is, how much are we willing to pay to get the services of a coach who is much better than him?

“For me, those of us who train under him know how important he is. Perhaps the end of this contract does not affect me directly right now, but the younger riders who will move up to the elite level later will certainly struggle (without Beasley),” said the 30-year-old Muar-born cyclist.

He also revealed that Beasley’s name has not been included in the squad bound for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23-Aug 2, due to technical reasons.

Shah Firdaus described the absence of the Australian coach as a major challenge for the riders, particularly in terms of race strategy and tactics on the track.

Meanwhile, national track cycling head coach Harnizam Basri acknowledged that Beasley’s absence will be keenly felt.

Harnizam, who appeared emotional, said the close bond he has forged with Beasley after working under him for 16 years meant the coach is not only a colleague but someone he regards like his own father.

“It is really difficult for me (to lose Beasley) because we have worked together for 16 years. He is like a father to me, let me put it that way.

“His impact has been immense. Malaysian track cycling is at the level it is today, and even the existence of the National Velodrome is partly due to his earlier efforts. The success he achieved together with Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang has allowed our cyclists today to enjoy some of the best facilities,” he said.

Earlier, Malaysian chef de mission to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz spent some time visiting the national track cycling squad preparing for the quadrennial Games.

-- BERNAMA