Kuala Lumpur, 10 May 2026 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) continues its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s sports development ecosystem through the YSD International Track Series 2026, held from 8 to 10 May 2026 at the National Velodrome, Nilai. The series brought together 110 riders and officials from Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong. 

The three-day meet featured strong international participation, with Malaysian riders tested against competitive disciplines in both sprint and endurance events. Among the largest contingents were Australia (29 participants), New Zealand (23), Hong Kong (19), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (24) and Japan (9). 

As a flagship event under the Yayasan Sime Darby Track and BMX Series (YSDTBMXS) calendar, the competition provides Malaysian junior and elite riders with valuable international exposure on home ground. It also builds on YSD’s collaboration with the National Sports Council (MSN), following a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year to support access to the National Velodrome and BMX facilities in Nilai. 

The series was also supported by Mr. John Beasley, High Performance Director of the National Sports Council and Technical Director of the YSD Track Series, who is also a widely respected high-performance cycling mentor. His contribution has played a significant role in shaping Malaysia’s rise in international track cycling. 

YSD Chairman, Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, said the platform plays a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s cycling ecosystem. 
 
“The goal of this platform is clear. It allows Malaysian elite and junior athletes to compete at a high international level in a cost-effective way, without the need for constant overseas travel. At the same time, it gives our youth and grassroots riders the opportunity to compete alongside international athletes and measure themselves against global standards,” said Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran. 
 
“This reflects YSD’s long-term belief in a structured and sustainable athlete development, investing not just in events, but in building a strong ecosystem for the future of the sport,” he added at the event.  

The competition concluded today with final races and a prize giving ceremony, with overall champions recognised across the Under-17 and Under-19 sprint and endurance categories. Awards were also presented for key events including keirin, omnium, elimination, scratch race and madison, marking the close of three days of competitive racing at the Velodrom Nasional. Malaysia’s junior top rising cyclist, Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak, was among the standout local riders, winning the Women U19 Keirin and being named Overall Champion for Women U19 Sprinter. 

Since its inception in 2023, the YSDTBMXS has attracted over 4,300 local and international participants across over 50 track and BMX races, strengthening the development of athletes from grassroots to youth and elite performance. 

YSD’s commitment to cycling development builds on its long-standing support for Malaysian through programmes such as Road to London, Road to Rio and Road to Tokyo, which contributed to the rise of top national cyclists including Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom. 
 
MSN Director General, Jefri bin Ngadirin, said the series complements national efforts to strengthen athlete development through consistent competition exposure while maximising the role of the National Velodrome as a key cycling hub.  
 
“Regular competition is essential for athlete development. Through this collaboration, young and elite riders are able to race in a structured environment, gain exposure to higher standards of competition and continue building their readiness for future national and international events,” said Jefri. 
 
The YSD International Track Series 2026 also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing among athletes, coaches and officials from different nations, while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional destination for competitive track cycling. 

Aligned with YSD’s Sports pillar, YSDTBMXS reflects Yayasan Sime Darby’s commitment to powering Malaysian sport development, creating pathways for talent growth, elite performance, and stronger global sporting connections. By bringing international-standard exposure closer to home, the platform helps reduce barriers to participation, expands opportunities for emerging athletes, and strengthens the local cycling ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels. 
 
For more information on the YSD Track Series and upcoming initiatives, visit www.yayasansimedarby.com.