Malaysia suffered a tragic loss when 20 year-old state cyclist, Mohamad Asmui Ali Awang died during his training session yesterday morning. It was reported that he fell of his bicycle and was run over by the escort van along the Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan Road. It is learnt that the victim collided with his teammate before he fell off his bicycle. His body was brought to Dungun Hospital for post-mortem.
Datuk Naim Mohamad, Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president, said that the tragedy was unexpected as Asmui had slipped from his bike, and fell under a van supplying drinks and snack bars.
“This is a very sad day for the cycling fraternity. I cannot believe that we lost another rider this year”, he said.
Naim only heard the news about Asmui through Facebook: “I was unaware of the incident until I opened my Facebook account. I was shocked and was in disbelief but when I contacted the Terengganu Cyclist Association, they confirmed the news”.
“After June’s accident, we had already informed the coaches, team managers and officials to heighten up security measures but at the same time the riders also have the responsibility to take care of their own safety,” Naim explained.
In June, 15-year-old back-up squad rider Mohd Shafik Imran Syahril, died from injuries after he was hit by a lorry after falling off his bicycle while training.
