'Pocket Rocketman' will land in Rio on Saturday

National keirin king Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, better known as 'Pocket Rocketman' and women's sprinter Fatehah Mustapa will arrive here on Saturday after their month-long training stint in Portugal.

However, the duo will be missing the Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony a day earlier at the Maracana Stadium here.

This was confirmed by Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, the team manager for the track cycling team for Rio Games.

"I visited the Rio Velodrome today and am happy with the facilities and the arrangements made by the organisers. The Rio Velodrome wooden track is in excellent condition and we can expect great results on it," he said in a media statement.

He said the duo would begin their training and familiarisation of the track immediately the next day.

He said both the riders were in their best physical and mental condition and expected to shine during their event.

"After the Portugal stint, I am confident that Azizulhasni will be able to peak at Rio and give his best performance to reward the country with a medal," said Amarjit, who is also vice president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation.

He also thanked national chief coach, John Beasley, who he said had left no stone unturned and given his all out to prepare both Azizulhasni and Fatehah for the ultimate challenge.

The track events will begin from Aug 11 to Aug 16 at the Rio Veldrome, located at the Olympic Park in Barra here.