KUALA LUMPUR – Acting deputy president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said that the national body is looking seriously into the tyre malfunction incident which led to a high-speed crash involving national track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
Last week it was reported that the 28-year-old was hurt after being involved in a high-speed crash during training at the National Velodrome in Nilai.
The cause of the crash was reported to be due to a tyre malfunction.
Fortunately, the double bronze medallist at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games did not suffer any fractures.
This accident was almost identical to the one suffered by Datuk Azizulhasni Awang which led the Olympic silver medallist to skip the Asiad in September.
“I don’t want to discuss this issue openly, but we are looking into it seriously as this is the second time the same type of tyre failure has led to a dangerous high-speed crash for our track cyclist.
“I am not here to pin blame on anybody but this tyre malfunction has happened twice and it is unacceptable. We are already taking steps to ensure it does not happen again.`
“We need to be more careful this year, especially when it is the Olympics year. We cannot leave any stones unturned,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Before the crash happened, Shah Firdaus was training to take part in the Adelaide leg of the International Cycling Union’s Nations Cup on February 2 to collect Olympic qualifying points.
But after suffering injuries to his left shoulder, thigh and ankle as a result of the accident, everyone expected the Muar lad to skip the opening leg of the competition.
However, Amarjit said Shah Firdaus has already left for Australia to participate in the race.
“His performance may not be 100% because of the injuries, but I still think it would be good for him to compete.
“We believe he should be back to his best for the Asian Track Cycling Championship in New Delhi happening on the back end of next month,” added Amarjit. – January 29, 2024