Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has indicated the potential continuation of integrating national and professional riders to form a competitive road cycling team for future international sporting events. This strategy, which has been effective in recent SEA Games, remains the focus for the upcoming games in Thailand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MNCF President Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill emphasized the importance of this combination, citing its success in the 2021 and 2023 SEA Games editions. He stated that while the current focus is on achieving success in the Thailand SEA Games, there is a possibility of extending this model to the 2027 edition if it continues to prove successful. The collaboration between Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC) brings various strengths, such as international exposure and specific skills like climbing.

Amarjit highlighted the advantages of this team structure, which leverages the strengths of both professional and national riders, rather than relying solely on the latter. Last Tuesday, the MNCF confirmed the merger of TSG and MPC riders with the national team for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled for December 9 to 20.

The selected TSG riders include Mohamad Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff, Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli, Kee Zhe Yie, Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki, and Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan. Meanwhile, the MPC will contribute Muhammad Syawal Mazlin and Muhammad Zawawi Azman, with Tsen Ren Bao and Amir Kamal representing the national squad.

The national road cycling squad previously secured a gold medal in the men's road race at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, with Nur Amirul Fakhruddin Mazuki defending the title initially won by Nur Aiman Mohd Zariff in the 2021 edition in Vietnam.