{
  "id": 14439994,
  "title": "Track cycling worlds: Keirin still tough even without Richardson, warns coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/track-cycling-worlds-keirin-still-tough-even-without-richardson-warns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T11:31:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/cycling/2026/10/1555548/track-cycling-worlds-keirin-still-tough-even-without-richardson"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling team head coach Harnizam Basri has cautioned that the men's keirin event at the upcoming Shanghai World Championships will be a challenging battle for Azizulhasni Awang, despite the absence of sprint world record holder Matthew Richardson. Harnizam explained that Azizulhasni's journey to the podium will remain difficult as he must contend with a field eager to secure their first qualification points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Shanghai world meet marks the beginning of the Olympic qualifying window for LA 2028. Harnizam emphasized that the keirin is a highly competitive event, with all riders striving to be in their peak condition and aiming for podium finishes. The field will feature top riders like Harrie Lavreysen (Netherlands), Nicholas Paul (Trinidad and Tobago), Leigh Hoffman (Australia), and Ryan Helal (France). However, Harnizam remains confident in Azizulhasni's abilities, stating that he will approach each round strategically. Matthew Richardson, the fastest cyclist over 200 meters, was withdrawn from the competition, though the reason remains undisclosed. British Cycling did not disclose the reason behind Richardson's withdrawal, but a media report suggested that he faced serious misconduct allegations. Richardson holds the current world record of 8.857 seconds over 200 meters, set at the Konya Nations Cup last year. Harnizam expressed satisfaction with his riders' performances in the women's team sprint event, with Izzah Izzati Asri, Nur Alyssa Farid, and Aliana Azizan finishing 11th out of 18 nations. They were the second-fastest Asian team, only three-tenths of a second shy of the new national record. Harnizam acknowledged the men's team sprint event's challenges, as Akmal Nazimi (Jusena) had to withdraw due to an injury. The team opted to replace him with Shah Firdaus Sahrom, resulting in a 16th-place finish. The women's individual sprint event will also see participation from Izzah and Alyssa.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling team head coach (sprints) Harnizam Basri has warned that the men's keirin at the Shanghai World Championships will be no walk in the park for Azizulhasni Awang despite the withdrawal of sprint world record holder Matthew Richardson.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}