KUALA LUMPUR: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang believes that his long-time coach John Beasley is "one of the best in the world" when it comes to getting his riders to produce peak performances at the right time.
Azizulhasni, who will be making his fifth Olympic appearance at the Paris games (July 26-Aug 11), stressed the importance of peaking when it matters most — during race day.
Azizulhasni, Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Izzah Izzati Asri are currently undergoing a final training camp in Mallorca, Spain before heading to Paris on Aug 1.
"We will be tapering in the final weeks in Mallorca. The plan is to be in peak condition by the time we reach Paris, we have to be careful not to peak too early," said Azizulhasni recently.
"John is the master when it comes to planning training programmes that allow us to achieve peak performance at the right time, right down to a specific date.
"He is one of the best in the world when it comes to planning.
"There are many good coaches around the world but many riders peak either before or after (target) competitions, which is pointless."
Azizulhasni, 36, has been coached by Beasley for almost two decades now. The Aussie is currently national track cycling programme technical director and continues to coach Azizulhasni, Shah and Izzah.
The former keirin world champion (2017) will be gunning for the nation's first ever Olympic gold in Paris. He previously won bronze (Rio 2016) and silver (Tokyo 2020) in the men's keirin.
Azizulhasni and Shah, 28, who will be making his second appearance at the Olympics, have both been earmarked as medal contenders in the keirin in Paris.
Izzah, 20, will be making her Olympic debut in Paris and will compete in the women's individual sprint and keirin.