Cyclists optimistic of delivering gold

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KUCHING: The state’s Sukma XV bound cycling team has now entered the last phase of their exposure training sessions in Peninsular Malaysia and are now ready to shift their training camp in Perlis to the Sukma cycling venue in Termerloh, Pahang.

The state cycling team has been in Perlis for the past four months and is focusing their training on the mountain bike and road race events.

They are expected to shift to Pahang on June 6.

“We have been competing at various races in Peninsular Malaysia to gain the necessary exposure. We want to compete in as many championships as possible to enhance our performance and hopefully maintain our level of fitness until Sukma starts in July,” informed state coach Zulkaflee Hassan.

Zulkaflee added that he wants the cyclists to acclimatise to the conditions of the venue as fast as possible.

“The state team is progressing well during their exposure trip. In one of the recent races in Ipoh, Nurazimah Abdul Rashid did well to win second place.

“The squad also participated in a vellodrome team sprint competition in Ipoh which they won third place. They were up against all the national athletes during the competition,” revealed Zulkaflee.

“Everything is going well as planned. I saw a lot of improvements in our state cyclists and I think we will be a serious contender for the gold medal this year,” said Zulkaflee.

He also told The Borneo Post that the state team will be competing in a road race in Shah Alam on June 23.

Most of the state Sukma-bound cyclists are expected to compete in the race.

“Shah Alam will be our final competition before we concentrate training for Sukma XV.

“I hope our cyclists will do their very best as they will be up against very skilful and experienced racers in the Shah Alam race,” Zulkaflee added.