Bumpy road ahead if coach Beasley leaves, says Azizulhasni

KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang believes that Malaysian cycling could be heading down a difficult path should technical director John Beasley decide to leave.

Describing Beasley as the driving force behind the country’s transformation into a world-class cycling force, Azizulhasni 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,” he said in an Instagram post today.

Yesterday, it was reported that Beasley is set to leave his position at the end of the year despite his contract running until Jan 31 next year, after growing increasingly frustrated dealing with politics, red tape, and lack of grasroots infrastructure within Malaysian cycling.

Azizulhasni, or nicknamed “Pocket Rocketman”, said 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 wants 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 said 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,” he said.

Beasley, who joined Malaysian cycling in mid-2000, had had also guided other national cyclists such as Josiah Ng, Rizal Tisin, Fatehah Mustapa, Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri.