NILAI: The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) have selected Nur Aisyah Zubir to represent Malaysia in the women's road cycling event at the Paris Olympics next year.
She will become the first Malaysian woman road cyclist to compete at the Olympics.
Norazman Abu Samah, chairman of the MNCF road cycling committee, said this at a press conference at the National Velodrome here today.
"We spoke with all the relevant stakeholders and have unanimously decided to select Aisyah to represent Malaysia in Paris.
"We asked all the coaches involved, including those from the states, and everyone agreed. There was no disputing her selection.
"Aisyah has accumulated the most ranking points among the national riders considered for the spot and has also displayed the most consistent results in recent seasons.
"I am confident that she will not let us down. The goal is to make sure she finishes the race and hopefully create an upset," said Norazman.
Aisyah won two bronze medals at this year's Cambodia Sea Games and two silver and one bronze at last year's Vietnam Sea Games.
Among the other riders considered for the slot were Siti Nur Adibah Akma Mohd Fuad, Phi Kun Pan and Yeong Zhen Yi.
UCI management committee member Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill disclosed that Malaysia earned the Olympic slot after finishing second among Asian countries that had yet to qualify for Paris at the Asian Road Cycling Championships in Thailand (June).
Norazman added that a detailed programme has been drawn up by national women's road cycling coach Amir Mustafa Rusli to prepare Aisyah for the Olympics.
Aisyah, together with the rest of the national riders, will compete in a number of UCI Asia Tour events next year and at least one European spring classic before heading to Paris.