KUALA LUMPUR: New national coach Herman Terryn only wants the best out of his up-and-coming track cyclists in competitions.
The Frenchman sees the World Junior Track Cycling Championships in Luoyang, China, from Aug 21-25 as an opportunity for his riders to make baby steps toward becoming world-beaters.
Known for producing 2022 sprint world champion Mathilde Gros, Terryn took charge of the national junior squad in February and believes his riders have the potential to return with medals from China.
The last Malaysian rider to win at the world junior championships was Firdaus Zonis, who picked up the 1km time trial bronze medal at the 2014 South Korea edition.
Rising star Nur Alyssa Farid, who is making her second appearance at the event, could be a medal prospect.
"The world junior championships are a big moment for the up-and-coming cyclists. We have a good group of riders. We will soon confirm the squad, but one thing's for sure: we are heading to China with the ambition to win medals this year," said Terryn.
"We hope to bring two or three riders to China for the sprint events. Maybe we can bring more, but it is not about heading to China for tourism. We go for results. We will select good riders, and I think it will be possible to get medals.
"If it's not possible to win medals, they are not ready to go. We prefer to keep the money and use it for something more important. At the moment, we see good quality for the future. Some riders in training go fast, but they are not good in the races.
"I want the riders to achieve better results in China. I want this satisfaction.
Terryn was hired to strengthen the junior track cycling department and provide quality potential riders to the national elite squad.
He said former keirin world champion Azizulhasni Awang is a good example for young Malaysian riders to emulate.
He noted that there is plenty of talent, but it will take work to get the athletes to fulfil their potential.
"We need to build the riders' bodies at the gym. You can't change a lot in four months. I hope I can change the mentality of the riders, and they need to work a lot," said Terryn.
"The main objective is to reach the elite level. We have short and long-term targets. For the short term, the World Junior Championships are important.
"We will bring the best riders to the gym and the track. We need to be progressive in training.
"We do not need to wait 10 years to be good. When you are good, you become good quickly. They are 17-18 years old; they can work a lot, slowly but not too slowly.
"I think by 21, 22, or 23, they will have the potential to be the best in the world."
