Azizulhasni’s sprint challenge fizzles out after infringement

KUALA LUMPUR - National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang’s hopes of advancing to the men’s sprint quarter-finals at the 2023 World Track Cycling Championships in Glasgow, Scotland were dashed after he was knocked out in the second round today.

Azizulhasni, who was up against Thomas Cornish in heat four, was eliminated after he tried to overtake the Australian with just half a lap to go during the race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, resulting in his relegation.

"After passing the final corner, I accidentally deviated into Cornish’s line in the final straight. When I realised I had lost my balance slightly I quickly tried to get out without obstructing or endangering him,” Azizulhasni said via a post on Instagram.

Although Azizulhasni crossed the finish line ahead of Cornish, the Dungun-born rider was relegated, handing Cornish the win.

Although the commissaire accepted his explanation that he did not commit the infringement deliberately, Azizulhasni, the 2020 Olympic Games silver medallist, was still disappointed with the decision to relegate him.

According to him, based on his experience, riders are usually only given a warning as it was not done intentionally and his action did not pose a danger to the other rider.

However, the former world champion said he accepted the decision and wished Cornish all the best in the next stage.

Azizulhasni, who apologised for his disqualification, has vowed to give his best in his pet event, the keirin, which starts on Tuesday (July 8).

Earlier, Azizulhasni came in fourth fastest out of 35 riders in the qualifiers. Only the best eight advanced automatically to the second round.

Meanwhile, another national rider, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom also bit the dust after losing to Australian Matthew Richardson in the first round. - BERNAMA