WITH the Covid-19 pandemic yet to be overcome, former national rider Sofian Nabil Omar has decided to delay his comeback to racing and instead focus on his business first.
The 29-year-old said he had contemplated racing at last month's National Road Championships in Malacca but decided against it due to business commitments.
Sofian was struggling for survival when the pandemic initially broke out, but was handed a lifeline when his current partner offered him the opportunity to open a bicycle shop — Lion Bike Studio in Seri Kembangan.
It became an instant success after its launch in the second half of 2020.
"Originally, I had wanted to compete in Malacca as the race also served as one of the qualifying events for the Vietnam Sea Games squad," said Sofian yesterday.
"However, I was torn between that and my business. I have a responsibility to my customers as I often guide group rides.
"Since we do not really know when the pandemic will end or whether there will be that many races this year, I have decided to put my business first and racing second. It used to be racing first and everything else second.
"But having said that, it does not mean that I am quitting racing for good. I still love racing and hope to make a comeback when things have stabilised.
"I am 29, and I believe I still have time. In road racing, riders like Zamri Salleh (Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team) are still racing well into their 30s."
TSG road captain Zamri, who is 39, has been with the UCI Continental team since 2011.
Sofian encourages national athletes who have been affected by the pandemic to start their own businesses.
"The situation is different for each athlete, and I can't really speak for everyone," said Sofian.
"But when I was under the national team programme, we were given meals, accommodation and a small allowance.
"The small allowance was not an issue for me as I was not married at the time and did not have many commitments.
"I was also able to earn prize money from local races.
"But in my case, I struggled when the pandemic struck as there were no more races. Furthermore, I was no longer under the national programme.
"I think the pandemic has shown that it is important for athletes to have something to fall back on when times are tough.
"I see that there are many athletes who have now started their own small online businesses while others like Harrif Saleh (TSG) have also opened bike shops and cafes.
"This is a good move as athletes all need to have something to sustain.
"I think athletes can do something related to their field, and it does not have to be something big.
Nabil was in form in 2019 and had briefly led the Asian classification (white jersey) standings at Le Tour de Langkawi. He also finished third in the final stage of the Tour de Peninsular.
