Budding track cyclist Azian rides on her luck to bag silver

Budding track cyclist Azian rides on her luck to bag silver
10.02.2012


Budding track cyclist Nor Azian Maslin Sazali rode on her luck in her Asian Cycling Championships debut to bag the silver medal in the women’s junior scratch race at the Cheras Velodrome.

In the 5km race yesterday, Sabah-born Azian was caught by surprise by eventual gold medallist Pang Yao of Hong Kong who jumped clear with four laps to go for victory.

“I was targeting the bronze medal for the race because this is the first time I am racing in the Asian meet and I don’ t know where I stand,” said the 17-year-old.

“I tried to follow South Korean rider (Sola Kim) but she eventually dropped behind. Then as soon as the Hong Kong rider jumped with four laps to go, I gave chase but she was too good.”

Azian, who started racing mountain bikes in Sabah, was clearly ecstatic with her achievement despite carrying the rookie tag.

“I have a lot more years to compete in the junior ranks and I hope to better my achievement today,” she said.

Meanwhile, in the women’s junior sprint, Ummi Hamimah Mohamad is on course to create history after qualifying for the final against Hyeji An of South Korea today.

No Malaysian woman has ever won a gold medal, whether in the elite or junior ranks, in the Asian Championships.

“This is a big deal for me and I hope I can live up to the expectations,” said the 18-year-old Ummi.

Ummi snatched a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Sola Kim of South Korea the semi-finals. Hyeji An defeated Malaysia’s Laureta Eva Adrian 2-0 to set up the showdown.

“I am really chuffed with my win in the semi-final as I didn’t compete in the sprint event in the Asia Track Cup in December.

“I have full respect for (An) because she defeated Lauretta in the semi-final. But I will discuss my strategy for tomorrow with my coaches to ensure that I can win the gold medal,” said the Terengganu-born Ummi.

In the men’s junior scratch race, Mohd Firdaus Suardi contributed a bronze medal for Malaysia. Takuya Takashi of Japan took the gold while Setthawut Yordsuwan of Thailand settled for the silver medal.