06/09/11
KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Junaidi Mohd Nasir is aware that his cyclists will face a daunting task at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man.
The Games begin tomorrow and will end on Sept 13.
Malaysia are sending four junior cyclists – Muhd Arfy Qhairant Amran, Hamdan Hamidun, Ju Pha Som Net and Nurul Nadia Mohd Fauzi – for the gruelling road race.
Muhd Arfy Qhairant Amran
The quartet are set to compete in three events – criterium, road race and time trial.
They will leave with the rest of the country’s contingent today.
All eyes will surely be on 18-year-old Ju Pha and Arfy, who recorded his personal best in the World Junior Track Championships in Moscow last month, to produce a medal for Malaysia.
“The four cyclists have prepared well for the Commonwealth Youth Games and I’m happy with the commitment they have shown in training,” said Junaidi.
“Actually, the Commonwealth Youth Games are not on our competition programme but we are sending our cyclists there to gain experience.”
Malaysia’s best finish in cycling came in the 2004 Games in Bendigo, Australia, when Hafiz Sufian bagged the silver in the men’s 1km sprint.
Cycling powerhouses Australia, Britain and Canada are expected to dominate the cycling competition.
Junaidi also expects the rainy and cold weather in the Isle of Man, ranging between 10°C and 15°C, to be a major stumbling block for his riders.
“Arfy and Ju Pha have been doing well lately ... they are the favourites to bag a medal for Malaysia,” said Junaidi, a former national cyclist.
“We are still lagging far behind the likes of Australian, Britain and Canada. On top of that, the weather will be a huge obstacle for our cyclists.
“Competing at this level will be an eye-opener for these four cyclists. I hope they will be able to give a good fight and win a medal.”
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