Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Cycling reforms turn results around for a brighter future

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Abdul Karim speaks to reporters when met at the event. - Photo: Einstein Unji

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SAMARAHAN: A change in coaching direction has reignited Sarawak cycling’s competitive edge, with promising results at the national level pointing to a brighter future for the sport.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the state’s cycling scene is showing encouraging progress following a restructuring effort after last year’s underwhelming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) performance.

“I was quite disappointed with our showing at SUKMA 2024, because when you are on home ground, you should be able to perform,” he said when met at the closing ceremony of the Samarahan Bike Challenge 2025 at The Summer Shopping Mall today.

Despite competing across multiple disciplines – including road race, mountain bike, downhill, BMX, and sprints – Sarawak failed to secure a single medal during the national games.

In the wake of SUKMA, the ministry opted to part ways with the previous coach and restructured the programme.

The impact, Abdul Karim said, has already been felt.

“Since then, things have improved a bit. At the recent Malaysia National Track Championships 2025, Sarawak collected four gold medals, along with silver and bronze.

“If I am not mistaken, they managed to secure 14 medals. That’s something we’ve never achieved before in a velodrome, at a national event,” he said.

Even more notable is the fact that Sarawak still does not have a velodrome of its own – a disadvantage that has not stopped its athletes from making their mark.

“So much so that suddenly, Sarawak is now seen as a threat despite the lack of infrastructure. I’ve already had discussions with them on how to take this momentum further,” Abdul Karim added.

Meanwhile, he also shared that the state has identified a location for the construction of a dedicated velodrome and that the project is currently in the land acquisition stage.

“It won’t be completed in time for the SEA Games, but it will be a platform for us to grow further.

“I’ve done the presentation to the Premier, and we’re working hard to make it a reality,” he said, adding that the velodrome could be ready within the next three years.

On the Samarahan Bike Challenge itself, Abdul Karim praised the consistency of the event, now in its ninth edition, and said he hoped to see even greater participation next year.

“We will try to increase the prize money so that we can attract more participants, and when more people take part, it will help develop the sport,” he said.

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