Nurul Izzah more ready for Glasgow challenges

Malaysian track cycling queen Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri believes she is now more mature in experience and tactics to face the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The 23-year-old rider stated that her performance at the 2022 edition was a valuable learning experience, as she was new to the elite national program and had not yet fully understood race tactics.

“

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I had just joined the podium program and was still a ‘newbie.’ I didn’t know much about tactics then, so I just rode. Now I hope to show improvement compared to before because experience has taught me a lot.

Nurul Izzah explained that she is heading to Glasgow with better preparation, having competed in various international championships and possessing a deeper understanding of race strategy. "At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I had just joined the podium program and was still a 'newbie.' I didn't know much about tactics then, so I just rode," she said. "Now I hope to show improvement compared to before because experience has taught me a lot."

Nurul Izzah acknowledged that her current appearance carries a greater responsibility, as she is no longer just a young rider but aims to be an inspiration to the new generation in the national track cycling squad. "This is my second time at the Commonwealth Games. As a senior, I want to challenge my juniors and be an inspiration to them. We want to continue growing together and bring the nation's name forward better," she stated.

“

This is my second time at the Commonwealth Games. As a senior, I want to challenge my juniors and be an inspiration to them. We want to continue growing together and bring the nation's name forward better.

She also recognized that the repechage format, which offers a second chance to competitors eliminated early, can help athletes. However, the Kedah-born cyclist emphasized her primary goal is to deliver her best performance from the initial rounds without relying on the repechage. "The repechage does offer more chances, but it's 50-50 whether we get through. The safer route is not to enter the repechage and advance directly to the next round. So, for me, every race and every event must be done as well as possible. We need to ensure our tactics are correct and be prepared for any eventuality," she added.

“

The repechage does offer more chances, but it’s 50-50 whether we get through. The safer route is not to enter the repechage and advance directly to the next round.