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CYCLING: MNCF yet to settle on Olympic-bound duo

THE Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) will have to wait until June 16 to finalise its selection of the two road cyclists for the Olympics, though it seems like its mind is already made up.

Champion Systems' Adiq Husainie Othman and Terengganu Cycling Team's Harrif Salleh are the front runners, but MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad said the federation is still awaiting reports on three others -- Drapac Pro Cycling's Amir Mustafa Rusli, who is currently in Europe with the Australian team, Terengganu Cycling Team's Zamri Salleh and Champion Systems' Anuar Manan.
But indications are that the trio's chances are, at best, slim.

The reason for the delay, despite the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) seeking confirmation before its final selection committee meeting on Monday, was due to both the MNCF council being in a stalemate over the matter and the federation's own selection committee was yet to meet.

"Our council couldn't come up with a decision in our last meeting and we're still awaiting reports from the respective coaches of the riders," said Naim.

"Thus far what we have are reports we got ourselves from results of the riders in races and some reports on Adiq Husainie, Harrif and Zamri.

"We're still awaiting reports on Amir and Anuar. We still have time as the deadline for registration with the London Olympics Organising Committee (LOGOC) is on July 9.

"But we're not going to wait that long. Our president (Abu Samah Wahab) has made prior arrangements with the OCM and we guarantee we'll submit our decision by June 16."

As of yesterday, Naim said the recommendations made to OCM virtually confirmed Adiq Husainie's spot, while Harrif is the MNCF's next best choice.

"We will base our final selection on the Olympic road race course and the fact that there is a difficult climb on the circuit which they will have to negotiate nine times during the race," said Naim.

"For that route, our best rider will be Adiq Husainie and he's also been our most consistent rider. We're almost decided on Harrif, but we still need to see reports on Amir.

"We are still considering Zamri, but on recent performances, the feeling is that Anuar is unlikely to make it unless we see some drastic changes to his form." By Arnaz M. Khairul

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