KUALA LUMPUR: The Pocket Rocketman won't be around, and the up-and-coming track cyclist, Ridwan Sahrom, hopes to step up at the World Championships in Ballerup, Denmark, from Oct 16-20.
In the absence of the retired Azizulhasni Awang, Malaysia will be looking at the new generation of riders like Ridwan.
The 23-year-old from Muar said he believes that his training with Azizul has helped him mature as a rider.
This will be Ridwan's third world championships. He featured in the team sprint in 2022 in France, and the following year in the keirin in Scotland.
Ridwan will compete in both the keirin and individual sprint in Ballerup, alongside his older brother, Shah Firdaus.
Ridwan, who hopes to make an impact in Ballerup, aims to reach the keirin final. He has a fair chance as it's common for top sprinters and endurance riders to skip the world meet when it is held soon after the Olympics. And with the retirement of stars like Dutchman Jeffrey Hoogland,
the stage is set for other cyclists to seize the opportunity.
"If everything goes well, I'll aim for a medal. I have my own mission there.
"Training with the Malaysian team as a sparring partner before the Paris Olympics has improved my performance.
"Now, I'm at my peak, and I feel more confident heading into the World Championships. Shah and I want to make an impact this time, and if we both make the final, we'll support each other."