I’maadi barely misses out on final

National cyclist Muhammad I'maadi Abd Aziz (2nd R) compete in the men's 40km points race qualifier at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday. Picture: AFP

NATIONAL cyclist Muhammad I'maadi Abd Aziz was one spot away from a place in the men’s 40km Points Race final at the Commonwealth Games after finishing 13th in the field of 17 cyclists yesterday.

The top-12 cyclists from each of the two heats progressed to the 24-man final which was held later in the day at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, with I'maadi tantalisingly close from making the grade while competing in Heat 2.

“It’s a pity he didn’t qualify and missed by just one slot,” national cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin told The Brunei Times.

“I'maadi did his best and proved that he can compete against top-level cyclists.

“Our aim was to qualify for the final and finish in the top-20... But it’s alright, we’re competing again tomorrow,” said Yafiz, referring to today’s men’s 20km Points Race qualifiers.

The country’s sole representative at the Games, I'maadi will move from the velodrome to the roads of Glasgow in his last event – the men’s road race next Sunday.

The Brunei Times