KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is expecting two-time Olympic medallist Azizulhasni Awang to continue racing for the national track team next year, albeit on a reduced scale.
MNCF secretary Arif Astaman said Azizulhasni, who is set to turn 37 next month, remains an asset to the national team despite his advancing years.
The former keirin world champion had in the past said he planned to retire from the national team after the Paris Olympics.
"Azizulhasni has told our president (Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill) that he would like to focus on completing his studies for now," said Arif, when met after the MNCF-National Sports Council's working committee meeting in Bukit Jalil today (Dec 17).
"But at the same time, he is still keen to continue carrying out his responsibilities with the national team.
"We discussed this with NSC today and feel that he can still play an important role in the team.
"This is especially true for the team sprint event, in which he can play the role of the starter. Despite his age, he is still a force.
"Currently, he is still in the Podium Programme and if he agrees, he will continue to be in the Podium Programme next year."
Azizulhasni is currently reading exercise science at Victoria University in Melbourne.
Should Azizulhasni decide to remain in the Podium Programme, Arif said his key performance indicator (KPI) will likely be to achieve qualification for next year's World Championships in Chile (Oct 15-19).
Riders under the Podium Programme receive a monthly salary from NSC and also have access to training, medical and sports science facilities and services.
"We will try to accommodate his needs as his priority for now is to complete his studies in Melbourne. He has already announced that he will give the Asian Championships (Nilai, February) a miss and we respect that," said Arif.
"If he is still in the programme next year, he will also be given a KPI just like all the other riders.
"Everyone under the Podium Programme has to prove themselves worthy of a slot in the programme and it will be no different for Azizulhasni if he agrees to continue.
"We will have to discuss with him and ask him which competitions he plans to compete in next year."
On a separate note, Arif disclosed that a number of track sprint riders will be dropped and also promoted to the Podium Programme.
"There are a number of changes, however, I am not able to disclose their names first. We want them (riders) to hear it from NSC themselves first," said Arif.