Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang is currently ranked top of the world in the latest Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) world rankings for the keirin event.
The Melbourne-based athlete is at number one spot with 508 points, ahead of France’s Francois Pervis,with 504 points and Edward Dawkins of New Zealand (494 points), the UCI website stated.
He is now assured of an Olympic berth in keirin as Asia’s top-ranked cyclist.
Keirin is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start behind a motorised or non-motorised pacer.
“I invite my staunch critics who are averse to facts and like to bring down athletes to now comment on my number one in the world ranking. I let my results do the talking,” said Azizulhasni on his Instagram account today.
This is the 28-year-old’s second time at the top spot, having climbed to number one in 2010, The Star reported.
He told the daily he hopes to maintain his top ranking until the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.
“I won the bronze medal in the World Championships in Paris last year. It will be a big boost to my Olympic gold hopes if I can get on the podium in next month’s Track World Championships in London ” the Terengganu native said.
He claimed two bronzes in the spring and keirin events at the Asian Championship in Japan last week despite missing five weeks of training due to health reasons, the daily reported.
Coach John Beasley is confident Azizulhasni will be in 'tip-top condition' for the London meet on March 3. -Mkini
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