NILAI: National riders Ridwan Sahrom and Izzah Izzati Asri both led their respective states to successful title defences in the elite team sprint events at the National Championships here today.
Kedah (52.696s), who were represented by Izzah, her younger sister Nabilah and Fitrah Shaari, were given a scare by Penang before downing them in the women's team sprint final at the National Velodrome.
Penang (52.886s) were represented by Izzah's national teammate Aliana Azizan, Intan Nur Idrisha Abdul Razak and Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak.
Izzah, who will be competing at the Paris Olympics in July, was all smiles after winning her third team sprint gold in as many years.
"Of course, I am happy to win it again, especially as the competition was much tougher this time," said Izzah.
"Penang sent their top riders this year and gave us a really tough time. They managed to briefly overtake us and it took everything we had to regain first position.
"I think they have a good team, Umairah was very impressive. She is only 16, but is already able to match riders who are in the national elite squad.
"I believe she has a lot of potential."
The men's final saw Johor's Ridwan, Akmal Nazimi Jusena and Nabil Wafiq Zamri (45.880s) beating Kuching-based club Buceros' Yusri Shaari, Ahmad Safwan Ahmad Nazeri and Afiq Huznie Othman (47.116s) to win the event for a fifth edition in a row.
Keda's Umar Hasbullah, Amer Khuzainifahmi Mohd Farid and Darwish Putra Muhamad Sanusi (46.977s) beat Selangor B's Izzat Izzudin Mohd Yusop, Danish Haiqal Zarin and Firdaus Mohd Znis (51.814s) to claim the bronze.
Ridwan was relieved to lead the team to yet another victory.
"Of course, as defending champions we really wanted to retain the title," said Ridwan.
"We tried some changes during qualifying, however, I felt that we could go faster so we reset and tried harder in the final.
"Of course, there was pressure on us because we knew we were the (main) contenders. We were careful not to underestimate our opponents and thankfully, we were able to pull it off.
"Defending a title is always tougher than winning it the first time.
"Personally, this is the third time I have won this title but Johor have already won it five times now."
In the endurance disciplines, Terengganu (3:11.808s) claimed the men's elite team pursuit gold after beating Johor in the final. Perak (4:28.310s) beat Selangor A to take the bronze.
The women's elite team pursuit final saw Terengganu (3:29.129s) beating Kedah for the gold.
Paris-bound duo Azizulhasni Awang and Shah Firdaus Sahrom are expected to compete in the men's individual sprint event tomorrow.