KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is banking on John Beasley, in his new role as national cycling technical director, to boost the development of Malaysian cycling across the board.
MNCF secretary Arif Astaman said Beasley has been briefed on his new scope of responsibilities, which is much broader now as it also includes road cycling, mountain biking (MTB) as well as bicycle motocross (BMX).
The Australian had previously served as national track cycling programme head coach for over a decade until the Paris Olympics (Aug). His long-time lieutenant Harnizam Basri will now take over the head coach position for track cycling.
"We had discussed this (role change) much earlier with John and he is aware of the evolution of his responsibilities, from being a coach to now the technical director," said Arif recently.
"Not only does he have to oversee the track cycling programme, but also all the other development programmes in Malaysia.
"We want to take up the challenge from Tan Sri Norza Zakaria (Olympic Council of Malaysia president), who wants Malaysia to focus on sports in which we can have an advantage.
"BMX, for example, does not require a rider to be physically large to excel. It also does not require expensive bikes like track cycling and also does not need a specific venue.
"John will definitely use his experience and his contacts to help all these other disciplines grow. For now, he is very excited about his new role and we are confident he will be successful."
Beasley has been coaching Malaysia since 2006 and has been dubbed the "Father of Malaysian Track Cycling" by the cycling fraternity.
He has helped develop riders such as former world keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang, Fatehah Mustapa, Shah Firdaus Sahrom and more recently Izzah Izzati Asri, among many others.