Shanghai:Izu Velodrome Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang has announced plans to "take a step back" following the World Championships in Shanghai from October 14 to 18, aiming to concentrate on rebuilding his physical and mental foundations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 38-year-old cyclist expressed his intention not to rush into competitive events in the near future. Instead, he plans to slow down his participation to allow time for rest and a methodical rebuilding phase. The World Championships in Shanghai are set to be the first qualifying event for the Los Angeles Olympics, after which Azizulhasni will focus on long-term preparation, emphasizing fitness and gym performance improvements.

Azizulhasni stated that while some might be surprised by his decision to decelerate after the World Championships, he believes it is crucial for a structured preparation towards LA28. His goal is to build a strong foundation over the next one-and-a-half to two years to ensure peak performance at the Olympics.

The cyclist, known as the Pocket Rocketman, highlighted the importance of not just pursuing short-term results but gradually strengthening every aspect of his preparation for the Los Angeles Games.

Recently, Azizulhasni achieved a historic victory at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, securing the men's keirin gold medal, replicating his success from the 2010 Guangzhou Games. He concluded his Asian Games career with three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.