PKBM CONFIDENT MUHAMMAD SHAH FIRDAUS CAN SHAKE UP WORLD RANKINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM) are optimistic that national track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom will soon conquer the world rankings in the men’s elite sprint event.

PKBM president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill expressed his confidence based on his personal observations of Muhammad Shah Firdaus' performances at several major championships, including his recent gold medal win in the keirin event at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Nations Cup in Konya, Türkiye, last month.

“I personally witnessed Muhammad Shah Firdaus' gold-winning performance in Konya. His riding has matured and is very powerful. Muhammad Shah Firdaus now knows what he wants after stepping out of Azizul's (Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang) shadow.

“Muhammad Shah Firdaus is becoming increasingly intelligent in strategising during races. Give him a little more time. I am confident he will become the world number one in the UCI rankings," he said in a statement issued by PKBM today.

The sensational achievement by the 29-year-old rider in Türkiye marked his first gold medal at a UCI championship and is the biggest accomplishment of his career to date.

With a tally of 5,174 points in the UCI rankings, the Johor-born cyclist now holds the sixth spot in the world — the highest ranking of his career so far.

World champion Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands currently dominates the men’s elite sprint rankings with 8,300 points.

Amarjit, who is also a member of the UCI Executive Committee, further pledged continued support for women's track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri to maintain her excellence on the international stage.

“I will ask John Beasley (national track cycling team technical director) to design a suitable programme for Izzati.

"I want Muhammad Shah Firdaus and Izzah Izzati to excel in every championship they compete in,” he said.

-- BERNAMA