CYCLING: It's down to business

FOCUSED: Azizul will also target the 200m sprint besides the keirin

Azizulhasni Awang

THERE'S no more room for selective focus on Azizulhasni Awang's menu as he prepares for the UCI Track World Championships which begin in Melbourne today.

   Three-time UCI World Cup overall keirin champion Azizulhasni's mind is fully geared towards Saturday and Sunday when he is down for the 200m sprint and keirin, with equal emphasis on both events.

   "There's no more hanky panky, now it's 110 percent for everything since both events are in the Olympics," said Azizulhasni, when contacted.

   "Before this my focus had been on one event, the keirin. I didn't fully concentrate on the sprint. But now it is going to be full gas for both. I want excellent results in both events."

   The duel between Azizulhasni and Josiah Ng for the Olympic slots in either event will be one to watch out for since one of them could yet miss the flight to London in July when the selection committee makes its final decision.

   But the 24-year old Sportsman of the Year isn't distracted by the tension caused by that topic.

   "I'm also entering this World Championships with a vengeance as I was forced to miss last year's meet. I am fully fired-up for it," said Azizulhasni.

   He missed last year's World Championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands due to an injury sustained in a horrific crash at the final round of last year's UCI World Cup season in Manchester where he had a 20cm wood splinter from the track pierce his calf.

   Since his return from a six-month lay-off, Azizulhasni's form has progressed with each competition.

   "It is better than before and I'm targeting podium finishes," said Azizulhasni.

   The new team sprint combination of Arfy Qhairant Amran, Edrus Yunos and Fattah Amri Zaid open Malaysia's campaign today, along with Harrif Salleh who contests the men's scratch race in the evening session.

Read more: NST