KUALA LUMPUR: Sports observer Sadek Mustaffa has urged the Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) to expand its focus beyond road and track cycling, advocating for development in mountain bike (MTB) and BMX disciplines as potential Olympic medal avenues.
The MNCF, currently seeking RM2 million from the government for its road cycling programme to qualify riders for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, could see broader success by investing in these alternative cycling disciplines, he suggested.
Sadek, who served on the National Sports Council (NSC) Cycling Sports Workshop panel in 2016, believes MTB and BMX offer a promising path for Malaysia, given their comparably lower entry costs and regional competition opportunities.
He explained that while road and track cycling are dominated by European nations, Malaysia could make significant strides in BMX and MTB with targeted programmes.
"We've concentrated on track and road cycling for a long time, but these events are extremely challenging, especially against European dominance," said Sadek.
"That's why we need a plan to nurture BMX and MTB athletes."
Reflecting on the missed opportunity for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sadek remains optimistic. "It's not too late to revive our strategy from 2016.
"There are plenty of regional competitions where we could build our athletes' experience and competitiveness."
Sadek believes a well-executed plan could yield medals by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
"With Thailand and Indonesia leading the way in our region, we have a model to emulate, especially given our similar physical attributes," said Sadek.
"We must get creative with our programmes, perhaps partnering with schools in rural areas to grow MTB talent and encouraging state cycling associations to collaborate with the Education Ministry."