KUCHING: Sarawak’s push to become a national cycling powerhouse is gaining momentum, backed by new facilities and upgraded tracks across the state.
Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA) President, Irawan Sudarsono, said the association is “blessed” to have developments happening at the right time, with new facilities helping Sarawak reach its goal of becoming a top cycling state in Malaysia.
“We are blessed because Sarawak has been aggressive in wanting to become a sports powerhouse. For us at SCA, working hand in hand with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), our vision is for Sarawak to become a cycling powerhouse for the country,” he said.
One of the most significant upgrades is the redevelopment of the BMX track at Bukit Siol, which was completed ahead of the last SUKMA. Although not a world-class venue, Irawan said the track meets crucial developmental needs.
“It’s a development track, not at world-class level because it doesn’t yet have grandstands and other required facilities.
“But the track itself is very good, and that’s what you want to develop our riders,”he told Sarawak Tribune in an interview recently.
Sarawak is preparing for a major milestone, building its first velodrome.
Irawan confirmed that the state government has approved the project, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah publicly acknowledging its green light.
“The location hasn’t been announced yet, but the velodrome and its accompanying BMX track are expected to be world class. Once completed, Malaysia will have not just the one facility in Nilai, but another here in Sarawak, insya-Allah,” he said.
He hopes the velodrome will significantly expand the state’s currently small track cycling community, especially as young Sarawakian riders have already begun showing promise at the national level.
Beyond Kuching, he highlighted the growing grassroots infrastructure, including the community pump track in Miri – a versatile facility useful for developing essential bike-handling skills.
“A pump track teaches riders pumping, cornering, managing bumps and even light jumps. These skills transfer easily across disciplines, from BMX and mountain bike to road and track cycling.
“In tight criterium corners or technical sections, these skills can help in very tense situations,” he added.
Sarawak’s investment in facilities is already bearing fruit. Irawan pointed to recent achievements across all disciplines, from mountain biking to BMX, track and road.
“This year, we have been blessed. In all cycling disciplines, we have a national champion – all in youth categories – but that is a promising state (for) our future.
“Being champions now creates a good platform for them to grow into champions of the future. So hopefully we get to see that,” he said.
With better facilities, growing community support and rising success across several cycling disciplines, Irawan believes Sarawak is steadily building its strength and is well on track to contributing more riders to the national elite setup.
