Foul!

As published in Mailsport today By Wan Noriza Meor Idris wannoriza@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — National coach John Beasley has told Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) to stop “stabbing him in the back” and asked MNCF president Datuk Abu Samah Wahab to stop misleading the public about track cycling.   “If the MNCF want to get petty and play petty games then at least state the truth. Please don’t mislead the public.   “Nobody wants this fight, we just want to come together for the betterment of the sport. Please stop it and let’s move forward,” said Beasley.   “My message to the federation is — sort this out and stop it. We are supposed to be working together.   “If you have issues with me as the coach speak to me. Don’t stab me in the back. You have my phone number. Let’s talk.”   Abu Samah was quoted by Kosmo on Jan 31 as saying he was disappointed Azizulhasni Awang did not win a gold medal at last week’s Asian Cycling Championships (ACC) in ...

As published in Malay Mail today Comment by Loghun Kumaran Picture by Farhan Najib mmsports@mmail.com.my AS the wooden tracks at the Velodrome Rakyat in Ipoh lie rotten like the ruins of an ancient village house, the only things that seem to cycle around are the blame game and excuses. For the last two years, the velodrome, built 26 years ago, has been left at the mercy of the elements without adequate maintenance. It was declared unusable in 2013. Could its present state been avoided? Yes, it’s just that no single authority assumed responsibility for its upkeep. And while fingers are being pointed at each other, Malaysia’s first velodrome — built on public donations — continues to rot away. Mailsport exposed its condition last month. On Monday Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin blasted the state government, Malaysian National Cycling Federation and the Perak Cycling Association (PCA) for neglecting the velodrome. These bodies, including Ipoh City Council (MBI) and ...

As published in Mailsport today. By Wan Noriza Meor Idris wannoriza@mmail.com.my ROZIMI OMAR is the unsung hero behind Azizulhasni Awang’s rise to fame.  The 43-year-old from Dungun was the one who discovered the then 10-year-old and moulded him into the champion he is today.  “Azizul is one of a kind. He is strong mentally and physically. He has good discipline which is hard to find,” Rozimi told Mailsport at his training ground at Bukit Pak Sabah — the same place where Azizul first honed his skills.  “There are a lot of good riders out there but many find it easier to give up. Azizul was different. He was willing to push himself to the limit. “I’m so proud of him and my aim to discover more champions like him ” He remembers Azizul as a naughty village boy — but with a good heart. “As a kid, Azizul loved to play and I had to chase after him to train. He also loved skateboarding and I forced him to choose one ... fortunately he pick...

As published in Mailsport By Wan Noriza Meor Idris wannoriza@mmail.com.ny KUALA LUMPUR — National cycling coach John Beasley has got his wish. Kamarul Aizad Othman, the special officer to Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab, will no longer handle team matters. Beasley said he would never forgive Aizad, who nearly caused the team to miss the Asian Cycling Championships in Korat, Thailand recently.  Aizad messed up the flight tickets and hotel bookings which resulted in the team taking a later flight and staying in a hotel more than 20km from the championship venue. Despite these problems, Azizulhasni Awang still won the Keirin event. It was his ninth gold medal in the history of the championship — three as a junior (2006 — sprint, 1km and Keirin), three Keirin titles (2007, 2008, 2015), two individual sprint crowns (2008, 2009) and one team sprint victory (2009).  He broke the record he shared with S...

By Wan Noriza Meor Idris  wannoriza@mmail.com.my IT was not the medal he wanted but the smile on Azizulhasni Awang’s face hid his disappointment. He wanted the gold badly after winning two silver medals in previous Track World Championships but settled for bronze in the Keirin final at the Velodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, yesterday. “I dedicate my medal to my lovely mother Selamiah Yong who celebrated her 51st birthday on Wednesday,” Azizul told Mailsport after the prize-giving ceremony. “This is for you mum. Without your support and love, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you and I love you.” France’s Francois Pervis retained his title with a blistering final lap to beat New Zealand’s Edward Dawkins and Azizul. Azizul crossed the finish line just ahead of 2009 world champion Maximilian Levy of Germany. The Terengganu lad had won silvers in the sprint in 2009 and Keirin the following year. “I made a perfect start in Round 1 but faced difficultie...

Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport today. JULY 17, 2014 – Melbourne International Airport IT was supposed to be another trip back to Kuala Lumpur for Melbourne-based Azizulhasni Awang. Yet, flying home last Thursday proved to be an emotional journey after the national cyclist and his teammates learnt about the Malaysian Airlines (MAS) aircraft that was shot down by pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine.  “We were at the MAS lounge when the news broke out. The whole team, including other passengers, were all standing and we were all glued in front of the television,” said Azizulhasni.  “We were shocked!”  A sombre mood quickly enveloped as the cycling team sympathised with the next-of-kin of all 298 on board Flight MH17. “We feel sad for those on the plane and to the family members. We truly hope they will be able to stay strong,” added Azizulhasni who remains Malaysia’s best bet of nailing a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...

Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport today: National cycling coach John Beasley and National Sports Institute performance scientist Chee Lee Ming, who accompanied the cycling team to Mexico, have been Josiah Ng’s pillar of support throughout the first 24 hours of the nerve wracking incident. They somehow cushioned the anxiety of Josiah’s loved ones based miles apart. In fact, Beasley has decided to stay back to keep an eye on Josiah until he is discharged from hospital. A picture of him taking a nap at the hospital was posted on Josiah's Facebook page. Such fatherly love is something money cannot buy.   Hopefully, Josiah will be back on his bicycle in no time as he sets his eyes on qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.   And here's a poem dedicated to Beasley: As for Beasley who now plays nanny, go drink some whisky, eat some tacos they are tasty, your treat for playing daddy. HD says: Get well soon Josiah!

Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad has hit back after being chided by Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for announcing the construction of a Class 1 covered velodrome on Monday. Naim said his statement was not out of place even though a final decision had not been made by the ministry. “I have no intention to make any decision for any party but I know what I am saying,” said Naim, in a statement to members of the media, yesterday. “My view is not out of place ... I did not jump the gun.” Read Naim Fury . Meanwhile, in my second column of the week, I write about 'proposals'. They are never easy, trust me. Read 'Haresh Says' in today's Mailsport . HD says: Another long day ahead!

UPDATE March 14 (9.19am):  The team manager of the national cycling squad to the Asian Cycling Championship in New Delhi Ibrahim Mustapha must face the music for dereliction of duty, said Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Read the full report here . ------ UPDATE 12.03pm: Here is an SMS sent by the team manager Ibrahim Mustapha to the Malaysian National Cycling Federation deputy president Naim Mohamad; Datuk Naim, lagu dan bendera telah diserahkan kpd sekretariat pada 5 mac dihotel royal . Penyampai medal paracycling divelodrom pada jam 645ptg lagu negara ku dan bendera dinaikan/berkumandang penyampaian dibuat divelodrom. Hari ni 9 paralimpik balik jam 1230. Untuk komfon semasa lagu dimainkan tel jo jurulatih 012#$%^&*@. Dia ada ambil video majlis penyampaian. tk. Hj Ibrahim Mustapha. And here's what Naim had to say: I am sorry this happened. I will wait for a written explanation from the team manager. As a team manager he should be at the venue as a...

Here's a letter from national cycling coach John Beasley ahead of the Sime Darby's RM2.85 million sponsorship to the national cycling scene.     From a coaching perspective the joint venture that has been formed between the National Sports Council of Malaysia and the Sime Darby foundation has given track cycling in Malaysia a great chance at defying even greater odds.   Since 2006 I have been effectively employed by Malaysia to try and help turn a small spark into a large flame. I use the word small spark intentionally as in terms of our physical size (comparative to other nations) our cycling infrastructure we are relatively small.  However, I also use spark intentionally as since 2006 we have been able to consistently produce performances that capture the eyes of the world. Each and every day since the beginning of my employment we have worked at creating a flame, a hot bed of talent, to help give Malaysia the world-class program it deserves so ...

Armstrong was not afraid of being caught. 'There weren't many out of competition testing'; he 'schedules' taking drugs to be clean during races. "I'm not the most believable guy in the world at this moment, I know that."  "Yeah...yeah. I was a bully."  "I don't know if you took the two words out of thin air but I'm both, more of a jerk now than a humanitarian." "Look at this arrogant prick (referring to himself). I say that today." "It did not feel wrong at that time. Scary." "That was the last time I won, (my speech, before I retired after my 7th win) it was lame." "I didn't know it was big but I now know. I see anger, betrayal by people who believed me. They've every right to feel betrayed, it's my fault." Those were some of the quotes by Lance Armstrong during a worldwide exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey on that ended minutes ago. Hours before ...

National cycling coach John Beasley is currently with the cycling team at the on-going Tasmanian Carnival. Here are his reports of the riders' performances; Day 1 (Dec 28) Just a quick up date on yesterdays racing. Latrobe is a big out door flat 500m track on the north east coast of Tasmania. Weather conditions were windy and about 23 degrees.  We had a good first day in Latrobe Tasmania yesterday with Josiah wining the 200om handicap, Jupha finished 3rd in the womens handicap and raced very well. Jupha won the B grade scratch race, Hamimha finished second in the same race. Edrus finished 2nd in the final of the sprint derby in a 6 up final to Simon van Velthooven of NZ. Hamdan finished 7th in the A grade scratch race full of international six day bike riders and lots of currant and past world champions in the race, I was very happy with his ride. The junior group did quite well for there first day on the track after there long journey, they made a lot of finals though could no...

Below is an article written by national cycling coach John Beasley and his opinion about cycling in the country. At least some people are willing to share their knowledge and expertise for free.   Act now or risk the death of a sport: A coach’s assessment of Cycling within Malaysia. It has come to a point now that London has passed whereby we must begin to plan for 2016. Planning for the next games is essential, and in small ways has been happening before these games even occurred as if you only plan for one games at a time with all your focus, then you will left playing catch up when you lose a crop of stars.   This is the exact dilemma we face with track cycling, and cycling in general right at this minute. We currently have a great group (Josiah Ng, Azizul Awang, Rizal Tisin, Fatehah Mustapa, Edrus Yunos, Adiq Othman, Amir Mustafa Rusli), but several of them are almost at the end of their careers. Most will make it to Rio 2016 and still be strong, but who comes a...

UPDATE  Aug 10, 10.15am : Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Malaysians should not point fingers and blame sports associations if athletes failed to deliver. He said that everyone involved should take responsibility including himself. Read more in today's NST . At least Shabery is man enough to shoulder the responsibility. ------ Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Naim Mohamad ( pic) clarified that he was giving up his Track Cycling Development Committee chairman and not the deputy president's post. This was flashed by Bernama today . This contradict earlier reports of him supposedly quitting the deputy president's post as seen here . There are apparently efforts to get BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Nadzmi Salleh to quit the hot seat. However, such talks have been on-going for several months now. Those who defend Nadzmi will say at least during his tenure the sport has netted two Olympic silver medals (2008 & 2012). ...

UPDATE 11.20am: Chong Wei arrived at KLIA at 7.30am and was ushered out by 8.30pm. When interviewed by Astro Awani's sports desk, Chong Wei said he will try for the 2016 Olympics and revealed it could be in the (mixed) doubles event. Was it a joke or something he is seriously toying with? Only time will tell. In the meantime, read here for Chong Wei's 2016 dream. ---- Top national shuttler and London Olympics silver medalist Lee Chong Wei is expected to return to a hero's welcome at the KL International Airport at abour 7.30am. Despite having failed to net the gold medal, Chong Wei is still considered a national hero after putting up a gritty display against Lin Dan before losing 21-15, 10-21, 19-21 in the men's singles final on Sunday. While the younger generation get excited over the return of Chong Wei, a former Olympian is set to make his way to our Parliament at noon. Former national cyclist Ng Joo Pong is expected to meet Minister in the Prime Minis...

In conclusion, Fatehah Mustapa was not in her element during this Keirin competition. She was nervous and she was not focused on the job at hand. She hesitated and was overwhelmed by the whole situation. She is only 23 years old, she has a good four years to qualify for the next Olympics and made good her failure here in London. That summed up national cyclists Fatehah Mustapa's debut at the London Olympics - as per a report by team cycling leader Naim Mohamad. Nevertheless, Fatehah ought to be credited for qualifying to the Summer Games as others continue to struggle to do so. One wonders what coach John Beasley has got to say about the report below.  Women’s Keirin Report 3rd August, 2012 at 4-00 pm Olympic Velodrome, Olympic Park. Eighteen riders contested the Women’s Keirin on day two of the Track Cycling programme at the London 2012 Olympics on Friday 3rd of August, 2012. Great Britain’s Victoria Pendleton won the inaugural Gold Medal for the W...