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M'sian track cycling coach John Beasley's much sought after

National track cycling head coach John Beasley is much sought after by at least five countries, including Japan, the sprint and keirin giant in Asia.

Olympics bronze medallist, Azizulhasni Awang said the 54-year-old Australian is in high demand from other countries including Japan, Iran and Hong Kong.

"He has received lucrative offers from other countries and I am fortunate to have him and hope he stays," said the 28-year-old cyclist whose tremendous rise is attributed to the Midas touch of the coach.

Beasley has been grooming the 'Rocket Pocket Man' since 2007 in Melbourne, Australia and his toil paid off in the Rio Olympics with a bronze in the keirin event, the only Asian rider who qualified for the finals yesterday.

"We get along well and like his style. He sacrifices a lot for my rise in cycling and I want him to be in Malaysia, training other upcoming track riders," he said after his medal feat in Rio yesterday.

Beasley has been roped into the Podium programme which is to prepare a select group of athletes to win medals at the Commonwealth, Asian and Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Beasley said he is willing to stay if his services is required. "Anyway, I have unfinished business to produce more sprint and keirin riders for Malaysia, he said.

He said under the Podium programme, he would have to put in the structure and get the programme going for the cyclists.

"Once the structure is up and we get things right, then Malaysia's cycling will be able to groom more riders for the international stage," he said, adding that the technological aspect needed to be addressed.

"We have to reduce the gap in technology and tactical aspects with the European and British cyclists," said Beasley.

- Bernama

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