CYCLING: Olympic medal chase gets shot in the arm

TRACK cyclists Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapa's 2016 Olympic medal chase has been boosted by a RM2.85 million sponsorship from Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD).

YSD previously supported seven Malaysian cyclists in the 'YSD Track Cycling Team - Quest for Malaysia's Olympic Cycling Medal' programme for the London Olympics with a RM2 million sponsorship over 30 months.

From the seven cyclists, Azizul and Fatehah made the cut for the London Olympics and competed in the keirin and sprint events.

The announcement on the new sponsorship for the two cyclists was made yesterday by YSD chairman Tun Musa Hitam during a mock cheque presentation ceremony in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.
Tun Musa said YSD's continuous support for the cycling event was spurred by Azizulhasni and Fatehah's fine performances at the London Olympics.

"We believe our chance to win an Olympic medal for track cycling during the 2016 Rio Olympics is very bright," said Tun Musa.

National coach, John Beasley, who was present at the ceremony, said he looks forward to continue building and delivering world-class track cycling programmes for Malaysian cyclists.

"This new collaboration between YSD and the National Sports Council has given track cycling in Malaysia a massive chance at beating massive odds in obtaining an Olympic medal for track cycling. The countless hours of relentless training to achieve this goal has just been made a little easier now with the help of YSD," said Beasley.

YSD's funding will enable Azizulhasni and Fatehah to participate in 42 races under this new sponsorship, compared with 15 under the 2012 Road to London Olympics programme.

(From left) Yayasan Sime Darby council member Datin Paduka Zaitoon Othman, YSD chairman Tun Musa Hitam, Azizulhasni Awang, Fatehah Mustapa, NSC director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong and coach John Beasley

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