NILAI: Rising track cyclist Alyssa Farid claimed her first victory at senior level after stunning Olympian Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri in the women’s elite keirin final at the MNCF President’s Cup today.
The 20-year-old, in her second year in the senior ranks, dominated the field to finish ahead of Izzah and third-placed Yeung Cho Yiu of Hong Kong at the National Velodrome in Nilai.
It was Alyssa’s second podium finish at the President’s Cup, following her silver medal in the women’s elite sprint on Wednesday behind Izzah.
“This morning in the semis, I got the top spot to advance to the final. The final was very tough, but I tried my best and achieved the gold,” Alyssa said.
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“Izzah gave me a strong fight, as well as the riders from Hong Kong. I’m very satisfied with the win. We train together and motivate each other, so I’m happy to get my first win over her.”
Alyssa made history in 2024 as the first Malaysian female to qualify for the keirin final at the Junior Track World Championships in China, although she crashed in the event.
The Muar rider said she is looking forward to the second series of the MNCF President’s Cup (UCI class two) scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
“I just need to stay consistent. I don’t want to take it easy, even if people say I’m in the top two in Malaysia. I still need to challenge Izzah.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd