KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang believes Malaysian cycling could be heading down a difficult path should national cycling technical director John Beasley decide to leave his post.
Describing Beasley as the driving force behind the country's transformation into a world-class cycling force, he said Malaysia would face a huge challenge in finding someone capable of matching the veteran coach's expertise and commitment.
"Malaysia will have a huge challenge finding another coach like John. He is not only exceptional in coaching, planning, and athlete development, but he also brings a warm, family-oriented approach that has earned the respect and trust of so many riders," Azizulhasni said in an Instagram story post today.
Yesterday, it was reported that Beasley is set to leave his position at the end of the year despite his current contract running until January 31 next year, after growing increasingly frustrated dealing with politics, red tape, and lack of grassroots infrastructure within Malaysian cycling.
Azizulhasni, nicknamed ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, added that Beasley's commitment to Malaysia over the years should not be overlooked.
The two-time Olympic Games medallist said the Australian had sacrificed personal and professional opportunities elsewhere to remain with the national programme.
"For years, he received offers from other countries, yet he remained loyal to Malaysia. In fact, he even left behind his family's cycling business in Melbourne, a business that had been running for more than 100 years, because he wanted to focus on developing cycling in Malaysia.
"After investing so much of himself into the programme, it is understandable that he would feel disappointed when things do not go according to plan," he said.
The former men’s keirin world champion noted that Malaysian cycling stands to lose much more than technical expertise should Beasley decide to move on.
"If he leaves, Malaysian cycling will not just be losing a coach, it will be losing a leader who played a major role in putting our country on the world stage. Good luck to those who believe they can do better," Azizulhasni said.
Apart from Azizulhasni, Beasley, who joined Malaysian cycling in mid-2000, had guided and seen the rise of Josiah Ng, Rizal Tisin, Fatehah Mustapa, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, among others.
