It is no surprise that our star track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang a.k.a. PocketRocketMan is ready to win a Gold for Malaysia, and has no reservations about it.
This is Azizul’s third Olympic and he is putting a lot of pressure on himself to perform and deliver a gold for Malaysia. He has also declared,
“I’m in Rio for gold.”
The 28-year-old cyclist has been keeping himself on tip-top condition and he knows he won’t be happy with anything less than gold when he competes in the keirin event on Aug 16.
Although Azizul has yet to test the track at Rio Olympic Velodrome, he has a good feeling because the track is similar to the one he trains on in Melbourne as it was designed by the same company — Schuermann Architects of Germany
“The only difference is that the straights are slightly longer but it shouldn’t be a problem,” said Azizul.
“I’m in shape, our training has gone well and I’m in Rio to win.”
Azizul’s main contenders are World Champion Joachim Eilers of Germany, New Zealander Eddie Dawkins and German Maximilian Levy who finished behind Azizul in London. Compared to his contenders, Azizul is the smallest sized which has been his disadvantage in his last two Olympic games, but at the same he uses it as his utmost advantage.
Top female track cyclist Fatehah Mustapa on the other hand, is just as confident as she targets a top 10 finish in the sprint event.
“My target is to break the 11-second barrier and I’m sure it will happen,” said Fatehah, who placed 25th in the World Championships after clocking 11.334s.
“I’m excited, not nervous. My objective here is go below 11 seconds.
While all eyes are on these two cyclists, Coach John Beasley has banned cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapa from talking to the press so that the cyclists can focus on themselves without additional pressure until the race. They will only be allowed to speak to press after their races – Fatehah will compete in the women’s sprint on Aug 14 while Azizul will race in the keirin on Aug 16.
