Beasley open to Malaysia return, but only if cycling gets serious about reform

KUALA LUMPUR – Outgoing national cycling technical director John Beasley has not ruled out returning to Malaysia, but says meaningful progress will depend on a genuine commitment to reform rather than simply appointing another technical director. Beasley told Scoop said he would welcome the opportunity to contribute to Malaysian cycling again, although he would not want to return to the same role he held previously. “Certainly, I'd love to come back in some capacity. I would never return in the same capacity as before because I'm getting older, and I think there are different roles that would suit me better now than the ones I held previously,” he said. The Australian, who is leaving Malaysia for Japan at the end of October, said he remained proud of the programme he had helped build and hoped those taking over would continue developing it. “I'm really proud of it, and I hope someone else picks it up and takes it to another level. I'd love nothing more than to see that happen,” he said. Beasley stressed that sustaining Malaysia's progress would require a genuine commitment to improving the sport, rather than expecting a change in personnel alone to deliver better results. Despite the difficulties he experienced during his tenure, Beasley said he remained grateful for the opportunity Malaysia had given him and would consider returning to help the country in a different capacity. “I know Malaysians are beautiful people. The majority have been very good to me, kind and supportive,” he said. Beasley added that he would welcome the chance to contribute again for those who had supported him throughout his time in the country, but made clear that his departure would not diminish his desire to see Malaysian cycling succeed. “I'd love to come back for the people who have looked after me along the way. I owe them because Malaysia gave me a unique opportunity that I'll never forget,” he said. Beasley, 64, leaves Malaysia after more than 20 years with the national cycling programme, during which he played a significant role in developing the country's track cycling ambitions and working with some of its leading riders. His tenure included working closely with Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, who became Malaysia's most successful Olympic cyclist after winning keirin bronze at Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020. Beasley's departure comes after Malaysia secured four cycling medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Shizuoka, comprising one gold, one silver and two bronze. Azizulhasni led the Malaysian charge by winning keirin gold and individual sprint bronze, while the women's team sprint squad of Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, Nur Aliana Syafika Azizan, Anis Amira Rosidi and Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid claimed silver. Izzah also won bronze in the women's keirin. - October 22, 2026 The post Beasley open to Malaysia return, but only if cycling gets serious about reform appeared first on Scoop .