Nilai: National track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang showcased that age is merely a number as he clinched the gold medal in the men's keirin at the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup held at the National Velodrome yesterday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victory marks a significant achievement for the 38-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist, who continues to perform at the highest international level. Azizulhasni's triumph challenges the common belief that advancing age diminishes the prowess of elite athletes.
Competing on home ground, Azizulhasni, fondly known as "The Pocket Rocketman," delivered an energetic performance, overcoming younger competitors, including world champion Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands in a thrilling, high-stakes race. After the competition, Azizulhasni expressed hope that his success would inspire local athletes, particularly junior track cyclists, to trust their abilities and boldly push their boundaries.
"I am proving to our national athletes that no matter what sport, age is just a number. It is about mentality and determination. If we really want it, we can achieve anything," stated Azizulhasni, the 2017 keirin world champion. He further encouraged Malaysian cycling athletes to embody this spirit, emphasizing his ongoing confidence and determination despite not being at his peak.
During the race, Azizulhasni strategically remained at the back for most of the event, launching a decisive sprint on the final lap to secure victory, ahead of Lavreysen and Trinidad and Tobago's Nicholas Paul, who finished second and third, respectively. This achievement marks his second World Cup series victory this season, following a win in Perth, Australia, in March.
Looking ahead, Azizulhasni is setting his sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in July and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September. "I have no thoughts of going past the Asian Games. Right now, it's the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games first, and after that, we'll see how it goes," he remarked.
Azizulhasni is scheduled to compete in the men's individual sprint event today.