KUCHING: A total of 20 top cyclists has been selected to form the Western Zone (Sri Aman, Betong and Sarikei) cycling contingent for the Sarawak Games (SUKSAR) IV 2026, scheduled to be held from February 3 to 9.
The squad features a balanced mix of young talent and riders with experience on the domestic racing circuit.
Team manager, Saiful Hanizam Suhaini, said that the selected lineup comprises 14 men and six women.
“We have just concluded the selection session and finalised the list of 20 best riders to represent the Western Zone at SUKSAR IV 2026,” Saiful said when contacted recently.
He added that the selection process was overseen by head coach, Ahmad Joyo Mohd Sahari.
Saiful acknowledged that the chosen riders possess strong potential, with several of them actively competing in domestic races.
However, he noted that the challenge is expected to be stiff, with competition coming from three other zonal teams – the Southern Zone (Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Serian), the Central Zone (Sibu, Mukah and Kapit) and the Northern Zone (Bintulu, Miri and Limbang).
As such, the team has set a target of securing at least three gold medals.
“Our aim is to win three gold medals, and if the riders are able to surpass that target, it will be a bonus,” Saiful said.
At SUKSAR III, the Western Zone cycling team collected two medals – one silver and one bronze.
Saiful added that the remaining preparation period will be fully utilised to further fine-tune the riders’ performances.
“I believe the head coach has already put in place a more comprehensive training programme for the riders, covering various aspects,” he added.
A total of 11 sports will be contested at SUKSAR IV 2026, with seven – petanque, table tennis, basketball, karate, softball, sepak takraw and boxing – scheduled to be held in Sri Aman.
Meanwhile, the remaining four sports – weightlifting, cycling, netball and taekwondo – will take place in Betong.
