MALAYSIA TO FEATURE NEW LINEUP FOR MEN'S TEAM SPRINT IN ACC 2026 - BEASLEY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will feature a new lineup for the men's team sprint event at the Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC) 2026 to be held at the Tagaytay City Velodrome in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from March 25-31.

National track cycling technical director John Beasley, however, refused to reveal the new lineup, saying that they have already selected the riders ahead of their medal quest at the prestigious championships.

"Yes, we have already held selections for the national squad. You will see a new line-up in the team sprint event at the ACC... and maybe even at the World Cup.

“Having a healthy competition, with new faces challenging the established riders, shows the team is in good shape. I won't reveal the names, but you will see new faces,” he told reporters after the Working Committee Meeting (JKK) 2026 at the National Sports Council (NSC) here yesterday.

Beasley, however, confirmed that national ace Datuk Mohamad Azizulhasni Awang will lead the pack, and he will be assisted by younger riders.

At the ACC 2025, Malaysia's team of Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom, Muhammad Fadhil Zonis and Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena clinched a bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Beasley said Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom appears to be making a good recovery after undergoing knee surgery last year.

“His cartilage has fully recovered. However, there is still some muscle contraction around the knee,” he said, adding that the cyclist is at about an 85 per cent recovery level.

-- BERNAMA