KUALA LUMPUR: Mountain biking coach Rezal Abu Bakar has urged the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) and its mountain biking (MTB) committee to "do better".
Rezal, a full-time MTB coach under the Terengganu State Sports Council, was among a number of state coaches who, out of their own initiative, banded together to help guide the national team at the Asian Championships in Putrajaya last week.
Despite limited resources, the national riders won two gold and three bronzes in the competition, Malaysia's best achievement in the history of the competition.
"I believe this result proves that we have no shortage of potential when it comes to talent," said Rezal yesterday.
"But sometimes, those higher up are not doing their jobs as best as possible. I hope this tournament will serve as a wake-up call for them. They must find a way to do better.
"It would be unfair to blame the whole of MNCF as this should fall under the MTB committee.
"The list of coaches and athletes was only approved by them (MTB committee) a few weeks before the competition. This should not have been the case.
"It should have been decided at least three to four months before. Six months would have been better to allow for more comprehensive preparation, especially as the tournament was held on home ground.
"This is the national team we are talking about, not some village team. I am disappointed with how the committee managed this."
The national squad, comprising 29 riders, lacked proper support and survived on donations of rice, sardines, eggs, biscuits and instant coffee from the cycling community during the week-long tournament.
Melaka-based Helaz Cycling Team paid for the national squad's accommodation and other necessities.
"We really have to thank Helaz for their support. I think they forked out at least RM50,000 to cover our accommodation and other expenses," said Rezal.
"Helaz put the riders first and did not think twice about helping us. Even their officials came to support us.
"It is, however, embarrassing to keep asking for their help. If we keep relying on Helaz, what is the point of having the MNCF MTB committee?
"I have to thank the cycling community for their support, as well as the coaches who came from all over the country out of their own pockets to bring their athletes here and also help out."
Rezal said a coach from an east coast state sold his pet birds for roughly RM3,000 to fund two riders to compete with the national team.