Azizulhasni Awang Has Won Malaysia’s First Gold At The Track Cycling World Championships!
"The Pocket Rocketman" has made history.
By John Lim — 14 Apr 2017, 11:37 AM
Cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang has claimed Malaysia's first first-ever gold medal at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Track World Championships after winning the men’s keirin event in Hong Kong yesterday, 13 April
The 29-year-old, better know as "The Pocket Rocketman", faced a tough ride against five other competitors. However, he managed to cross the finishing line to claim the gold in the race held at the Hong Kong Velodrome Park.
The Terengganu-born rider finished the race in 10.253 seconds, followed by Fabian Hernando Puerta Zapata from Colombia and Tomas Babek from Czech Republic in second and third respectively
"I just screamed, watched the scoreboard and saw my name in first place. I just cannot believe it. I've been trying for 10 years. Finally, it's my time to be a world champion. It's unbelievable. Keep trying and never give up... today is my day after 10 years," said Azizul as quoted by Eurosport.
Last year, Azizul clinched the bronze medal in the 2016 UCI Track Cycling World Championships
Azizul also became Malaysia's first Olympic cycling medallist last August in Rio, with a bronze medal.
Azizul who finally got his hands on the rainbow jersey (winner's jersey) said he has no plans of taking it off
"It's maybe a little bit big for me, but it doesn't matter. I'm going to sleep in this jersey tonight. Definitely I will sleep with the rainbow jersey. And on the way back to Malaysia I'm going to wear this too," he added.
