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A big boost for Azizul and Co

THE first Malaysian track cycling trade team are set to become a reality with a RM2 million sponsorship fund injected by Yayasan Sime Darby.
The team, which will be known as the YSD Track Team, will comprise World No 1 keirin rider Azizul Hasni Awang, Rizal Tisin, Junaidi Nasir, Edrus Yunos, Hafiz Sufian, Josiah Ng and Fatehah Mustapa.

This comes as part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) and Sime Darby Berhad yesterday, which will see the RM2 million delivered over three years.

This is the first sports team to be sponsored by Sime Darby, which is actively involved in sponsorship of lawn bowls and cricket events.

Sime Darby was represented by chairman Tun Musa Hitam, who stated the company's support was based on the rise of the track cycling team into a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

"We already have a world number one and a group of youngsters who are there at world class level. What is important is not only to deliver results for themselves and for the country, but for the sport to receive recognition," said Musa.
Sime Darby Berhad chairman Tun Musa Hitam presenting the RM2 million mock cheque to MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad (third from right) and the YSD Track Team at Wisma Sime Darby yesterday. — Pic: OSMAN ADNAN
Sime Darby Berhad chairman Tun Musa Hitam presenting the RM2 million mock cheque to MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad (third from right) and the YSD Track Team at Wisma Sime Darby yesterday. — Pic: OSMAN ADNAN   


The team, said MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad, will be registered soon and begin competing in the season which begins after the UCI Track World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark next month.

"This will be an important part of our efforts to deliver the country's first gold medal in the 2012 Olympics in London. Qualifying for the Olympics begins right after the World Championships this year," said Naim.

"With the trade team in the picture, this opens up some space for more Malaysian riders to compete in the World Cup Classics, as previously we've only relied on slots given to the national team.

"The national team will now be focusing on the next line of riders, but will also compete against riders in this team in international competitions." NST

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