JAKARTA: Even in retirement, Josiah Ng still haunts former world keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang.
On Friday, Josiah, who is Thailand’s cycling coach, turned his rider, Jai Angsuthasawit into an Asian Games champion in the men’s keirin, relegating Azizulhasni to third place.
Jai won the photo finish final with Japan’s Yudai Nitta taking silver.
"Before the race, I did joke with Josiah to instruct Jai to follow me closely if he wants to win silver, but the reverse happened,” said Azizuhasni.
"Josiah and I are among the best tactical specialists in keirin. And it is obvious that Josiah had trained Jai well as the rider is now tactically strong.
"I am heartbroken because I was confident of winning gold and kept my energy for the final race, but I could not deliver.”
Azizul, known as ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, could not sprint as he was pinned between Jai and Nitta in the final lap.
"At the last turn, I did not have enough space to sprint, and if I had acted aggressively, I could have been suspended."