Armenian Cycling Coach

[Azat]

Cycling/Track World Cup Ng on track for Goodwill Games

By Zakri Baharudin zark@nstp.com.my

 

 

MON: TRACK ace Josiah Ng will have the services of American Olympic trainer Mark Whitehead for the Track World Cup starting in Ipoh on Aug 24.

 

And the 21-year-old sprints specialist is delighted with his mentor’s visit, which could give him a psychological boost ahead of his Sea Games debut in Kuala Lumpur two weeks later.

 

“I’ve been constantly in touch with Mark (Whitehead) and I’m happy that he’s decided to watch me race in Ipoh,” said Ng in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

 

“It’ll be great to have him around as I normally consult him about my training and races over the telephone. It will also be his first visit to Malaysia.”

 

Through his association with Whitehead since 1994, Ng was given special permission to try out for the American 2000 and 2004 track teams, where the Malaysian had consistently secured top-five results in the sprints and 1km time trial.

 

Whitehead, who is based in San Diego, was a gold medallist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

 

Since checking into Malaysia’s Gemilang 2001 centralised training camp in June, Ng has been training under National Sports Council coach Albert Soloyan from Armenia.

 

Yesterday, Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president Datuk Seri Darshan Singh confirmed Ng as in the list of top Asian track riders recommended for the Asian All-Stars outfit for the Goodwill Games in Brisbane from Aug 29 to Sept 9.

 

“We’re hoping to introduce the first Asian All-Star outfit for the Games but we have not made a final decision yet,” said Darshan.

 

“I’ll definitely recommend Josiah, but getting Asia’s best riders for the (Goodwill) Games involves a lot of effort and logistical support.

 

“We hope to finalise the matter as soon as possibile,” said Darshan, who is also organiser of the Track World Cup in Ipoh.

 

The Goodwill Games is among the most prestigious international sports events as it showcases the world’s best athletes.

 

Athletes are invited based on their rankings and performances in major international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World championships.

 

Among the big names confirmed for the Games so far are Marion Jones, Michael Johnson, Maurice Greene, Michelle Kwan, Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, Loretta Harrop, Laura Wilkinson and the NBA players from United States.

 

Track and field legend Johnson will be running the last race of his career in Brisbane.

 

The competition calendar features 14 sports over 12 days — athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, track cycling, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, surf lifesaving, swimming, trampoline, triathlon and weightlifting.

 

Cycling, with 72 of the world’s best track riders, will be held over two days.

 

The events are men’s sprint, scratch race, Points race, Keirin, Madison and elimination, while in the women’s are sprint, scratch race, Points race and elimination.

 

 

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