Pocket Rocketman ready for worst-case scenario

AZIZULHASNI Awang, gunning to win Malaysia's first ever Olympic gold, has prepared himself to be ready for whatever the race throws at him.

In the build-up to Tokyo, the Pocket Rocketman has been dealing with worst-case scenario through simulations.

And the keirin event in track cycling, which is Azizulhasni's favoured discipline, is difficult to master.

A rider cannot just depend on skill alone; race tactics and luck can also decide the outcome of a race.

Because of this, the strongest rider does not always win.

Azizulhasni, who is undergoing final preparations at the National Velodrome in Nilai, said in his vlog: "During training races, my focus is not on winning. My goal is to try as many tactics as possible.

"(In training) I choose to race with tactics which are difficult to execute. I don't want to be in a position which gives me an advantage in training because I already know I can handle them well.

"I want to be in a position of disadvantage. For example I like to test myself in positions where I am boxed in by other riders or find myself caught out behind the others.

"Sometimes I try to go full gas for three laps right after the derny leaves the track.

"It can be very tiring after back-to-back training races with little rest in between, so I have to be mentally strong.

"I have to try out these tactics to be prepared for any worst case scenarios."

Despite the fatigue, Azizulhasni clearly relished the "training races" against national teammates, notably against current World No 1 (1km time trial) Fadhil Zonis, Shah Firdaus Sahrom as well as first year seniors Ahmad Safwan Nazeri and Ridwan Sahrom, who is Shah Firdaus' younger brother.

"These are tough, world class level training races. Going full gas for three laps is physically draining and can leave you with a headache," said Azizulhasni.

"Even if I finish last, it is still incredibly satisfying because I have achieved my objective (of trying tactics).

"After the races, we are all lying flat on the floor or hanging on to the fence (due to fatigue).

"It can take up to 30 minutes to recover from all the lactic acid which accumulates (in muscles).

"Once we have recovered, we get together and talk about the race."

In addition to trying out tactics, simulating back-to-back racing and the fatigue it produces is also important for Azizulhasni and Shah, who will be making his Olympic debut in Tokyo.

That is because their schedule in Tokyo could see them racing for five days in a row if they reach the later stages in both the individual sprint and keirin.

The men's individual sprint will be held from Aug 4-6 while the keirin will run from Aug 7-8.

All track cycling events will be held at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka.