Road cyclists' gold hopes dim after Sports Council rejects bike funding
The team had sought funding to purchase six new time trial bikes in preparation for the Games and as part of a long-term investment ahead of the 2027 Kuala Lumpur edition.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) road cycling committee chairman Norazman Abu Samah confirmed the NSC's decision to turn down their request for additional funding.
"We had a meeting with NSC last week to discuss the road team's budget and were told there will be no extra funds. This is a massive blow to our gold medal hopes in Thailand," said a disappointed Norazman.
He said the team needs upgraded time trial bikes to match regional rivals Thailand and the Philippines, who are already equipped with the latest technology.
"This year, NSC allocated RM450,000 for road, mountain bike (MTB) and BMX, which covers training, coaching and competitions. RM300,000 was set aside for road, RM100,000 for MTB and RM50,000 for BMX," he said.
"However, we only have RM160,000 left for the road team after spending RM140,000 on preparations for the Asian Cycling Championships in Nilai in February.
"We've been told to divert funds from MTB and BMX, but we don't believe that's the right approach.
"If no additional funding comes in, we may have to pull out of the Thailand SEA Games altogether."
In contrast, Thailand's riders will be using top-tier time trial bikes costing around RM100,000 each.
Malaysia had high hopes of success in Thailand following Nur Amirull Fakhruddin Mazuki's gold (mass start) and silver (criterium) at the 2023 Phnom Penh Games.
At the 2021 Hanoi edition, Nur Aiman Zariff won gold in the mass start, while Nur Aiman Rosli bagged bronze in the individual time trial.
However, hosts Thailand are expected to design the mass start route to include a steep summit finish — a tactic likely aimed at favouring their own riders and denting Malaysia's title defence.
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