The cycling race in Singapore was basically at national championships. The Singaporean team was an intimidating six people handcycling team. Alvin on the other hand, was the sole representive for the Malaysian handcycling team. Every participant on the Singaporean team was on professional competition bikes. “Those bikes cost three times more than my handcycle and are about 5 kilo’s lighter”, he mused. Sure enough, Alvin completed the race in 21minutes and 38.6seconds. Meanwhile the first Singaporean participant to cross the finish line clocked in at 26minutes and 46.9seconds.
SETTING HIS SIGHTS ON THE HIGH SEAS
With two gold medals at his belt, this has refired his possibilities in his handcycling career.
Alvin’s plate is currently full with his upcoming races. Belgium Cycling Race in July followed by Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in August. Belgium will be the perfect eye opener event given a chance for Alvin to meet the world professionals. Alvin’s current speed is at an average of 27km/h and the world professionals are averaging at 47km/h in the Rio Olympics. We look forward to witness how Malaysia’s made racing machine fares in 2017’s UCI Europe Tour.
So why is Alvin so eager to 2017’s SEA Game para-competitions? Not only is Malaysia the host of SEA Games this year but also this is the first ever SEA Game to include a handcycling competition. Furthermore, Malaysia has achieved the best record in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Most importantly, Alvin’s hunger for winning stirs deep within. His desire to win a medal is so strong that he constantly looks for room to improve. “I am hungry for gold, currently I’m eyeing the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2020”.
*After the interview, we accompanied Alvin to his car. We couldn’t help but express admiration on his independence as he came by himself and loaded his handcycle trike bike, no help whatsoever. He removed all the back seats in his Toyota Estima to make room for his handcycle trike bike. When we headed back to the office, we discussed among ourselves that even with our able bodied, we were not trying as hard as him. After all, the ultimate measure of a man is defined by not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge.*
