KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian riders for the Paris Olympics will receive a technological boost with new Vorteq WX-R bikes.
These bikes, with cutting edge-technology, are priced at an eye-watering RM385,800 each, and costing the National Sports Institute (NSI) RM7.5 million to develop.
It features orange and black paint, reflecting the Malaysian contingent's colours.
It is common for major track cycling nations to develop new bikes for each Olympic cycle in pursuit of marginal gains.
The first edition of the Malaysian Vorteq WX-R bike, used for the Tokyo Olympics, was valued at RM13 million.
Malaysia's gold medal hope, Azizulhasni Awang, said the upgraded bikes will put the national riders on par with other nations in terms of technology at the Olympics.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist said he will receive his bike during the team's training camp in Europe next week.
"There's improved tech in the new model, there are a few gains. From the last research and development, there are improvements in terms of friction, the skin suit, positioning... it's a combination of everything," said Azizul after the launch.
"I'm not rushing to use the new bike. I'm happy to use the old bike for training, and I usually use the latest bikes about a month before competition. I will try it a few times in Spain and Belgium."
The 36-year-old added that while a new bike doesn't guarantee a win, it narrows the gap with other nations.
"Most don't understand... a new bike doesn't mean that a win is confirmed. It's about being on par with other nations. Before this research and development, we were one step behind the main competitors.
"British and German riders were using special bikes. In terms of tech, they were one step ahead. We could train hard, prepare the best we could, but in races, we were a step behind.
"The UCI made new rules after the Rio Olympics for the Tokyo Olympics, allowing everyone to do their own research and development. The Sports Ministry, National Sports Council and NSI came together to invest and explore this new territory.
"We should be proud of what we did, not many countries are doing it. Malaysia and Japan are among the nations putting in a bit of effort developing their own bikes.
"Now we are on par in terms of tech with Britain, Germany, and Japan as well. It gives confidence to me, Shah (Firdaus Sahrom), and Nurul Izzah (Izzati Asri). We have the best equipment, it's now about the 'engine,' which is more important."
