NILAI: National track cyclist Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis proved he is nearing his best after emerging as the champion in the men’s elite keirin event at the ASEAN Track Series (President’s Cup) on Sunday.
The 27-year-old clocked a perfect sprint time to win the final of the event at the National Velodrome here, defeating South Korean rider Kang Seojun, who claimed second place, while Australian rider Sam Gallagher took third place.
He was thrilled by the victory, saying it was a highly satisfying achievement after only managing to secure a silver in the Series One keirin event on Jan 15, finishing behind Seojun.
“Actually, I was quite tired after three days of racing here. I knew that if I sprinted too early, it could give an advantage to the other riders.
“I had to race smart in the final and wait as long as possible before making my move, and Alhamdulillah, it worked,” he said post-race.
This victory marks his first international keirin win since his success at the 2021 UCI Nations Cup in Hong Kong.
Last Saturday, Muhammad Fadhil also secured a silver medal in the men’s elite individual sprint event after finishing behind his teammate, Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom.
However, Muhammad Ridwan did not qualify for the keirin final. — BERNAMA