Nations Cup: Ridwan, Nurul Izzah see early exit but latter improves

Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri puts on a better performance compared to Hong Kong last month but defeated in 1/16th round by Mexico

(From left) Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri and Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom have been eliminated early in their respective events at the Nations Cup in Milton, Canada, earlier today. – Combo pic, April 14, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – National track cyclists Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri and Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom were eliminated early in their respective events at the Nations Cup in Milton, Canada, earlier today. 

In the previous leg in Hong Kong last month, Nurul Izzah failed to advance past the qualifying round, finishing with the 30th fastest time. Only the top 28 riders progressed to the next round. 

At the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, the 21-year-old improved, recording a time of 11.349sec for 28th place. 

In the 1/16 round, she was defeated by two-time Pan-American champion Luz Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez from Mexico, who later won the bronze medal.  

The gold was claimed by 2022 world champion Mathilde Gros from France, with silver going to Ellesse Andrews from New Zealand. 

Meanwhile, Ridwan finished fourth in Heat 4 in the first round of the keirin.  

He then entered the repechage, where the 23-year-old missed out on advancing to the second round by just 0.034sec to Tokyo 2020 gold medallist in the team sprint Jeffrey Hoogland of the Netherlands. 

Later today, Izzah will take part in the women’s keirin, while Ridwan will hope for an improvement in the men’s sprint. – April 14, 2024