Cycling

Harnizam made good decisions at track worlds, says 'proud' Beasley

KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling programme technical director John Beasley is pleased to have handed trackside coaching duties to his long-time lieutenant, Harnizam Basri.

Beasley, who was previously head coach (sprint disciplines), has long said that he would hand the reins to Harnizam after the Paris Olympics.

Harnizam was given free rein during the World Championships, which concluded in Denmark on Sunday (Oct 20), and Beasley said he was pleased with his performance.

"Overall I am really happy with the performance of the team as well as the young coach (Harnizam)," said Beasley recently.

"I have taken a step backwards and left Harnizam to make all of the decisions here (Denmark).

"Of course I am here to support him though he is the sprint coach moving forward as I am making the transition into the technical director's role.

"I am proud of Harnizam's performance at these World Championships. I thought he led the group well and made good decisions tactically as well as good gear choices."

Harnizam's position as head coach is unofficial for now as he has yet to receive an appointment letter from the National Sports Council.

Izzah Izzati Asri achieved a breakthrough performance in Denmark, reaching the women's keirin semi-final and later winning the 7th-12th decider.

The 21-year-old, who has been tipped as a future star, did not make it past the first round during her World Championships debut last year.

Shah Firdaus Sahrom, who was suffering from a virus going into the meet, did not have a great outing by his standards though was still able to finish ninth in the men's keirin.

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