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Sumber : The Star 02.01.2009 - LEARNING the right cycling technique will be crucial for budding triathlete Mohd Zhairen Manan Zulkarnain to shift into top gear and improve on his performance at the mid-section of the race.

The 14-year-old Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) admitted that he needs to work on his weakness to generate the pedal power on the saddle for his campaign in the new season.

“I joined the rugby programme at BPSS when I was in Year Six. A year later, I switched to swimming because of the brighter prospects to excel.

“I have the advantage in the first leg of the race with my background in swimming and I also feel comfortable in the final running leg. But cycling is a weak link that needs immediate attention,” said Zhairen.

His father Zulkarnain Manan Abdul Manan is also hoping the BPSS cycling team will allow Zhairen to join their training programme.

“So far, he has no proper training in cycling. I do not allow him to go out on his own because it can be dangerous negotiating the traffic.

“He cycles around our home in Bandar Puncak Alam when I have the time to accompany him on his rides. Usually, we will workout for one to two hours during each outing,” said Zulkarnain.

During the recent school holidays, Zhairen devoted his time to training twice a day and ran six to seven km around his neighbourhood in the morning followed by a swimming session with the Anakair Club based in Shah Alam in the evening.

After taking up triathlon last year, the newcomer showed promise and dominated the boys’ Under-15 category, bagging all three legs at the inaugural Trikidz triathlon series catering to beginners.

Zhairen said he is delighted that triathlon has given him the opportunity to shine.

“On average, I will take part in four swimming meets a year. Although I have improved on my personal best times in swimming, I have not finished in the top three position before. It was certainly an encouraging experience when I started winning medals in triathlon. I am also thrilled with the physical challenge in combining three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running),” he added.

At the A Farmosa International Triathlon in May, he completed the 400m swim, 15km cycle and 2km run course in 1’02:03 for the third spot in the boys’ Under-14 section.

Following a good showing in his debut sprint race, Zulkarnain rewarded Zhairen with a road bicycle.

He went on to register 50:42 over a distance of 700m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run and finished eighth in the boys’ Under-13 category at the Port Dickson International Triathlon in July.

Zhairen rated the Desaru Inter­national Distance and Sprint Triathlon in August as his toughest assignment thus far.

“We had to cope with rough conditions for the swimming leg. It was also a demanding course because of the undulating terrain,” said Zhairen, who completed the 500m swim, 18km cycle and 3km course in 58:11 and was ranked 19th in the boys’ Under-20 category.

For the new season, he is expected to feature in at least three races in the local triathlon competition calendar.

“Education is still the main priority. As he will be sitting for his PMR examination this year, we want him to compete in triathlon meets without neglecting his studies,” added Zulkarnain.

RISING STAR FACT FILE

Name: Mohd Zhairen Manan Zulkarnain
Date of Birth: 23 Oct 1994
Ht: 1.53m Wt: 45kg
School: Bandar Penawar Sports School (Form Three)
Hobby: Reading
Ambition: Engineer
Favourite Sports Personalities: Jonny Wilkinson (rugby, England), Michael Phelps (swimming, United States)

Achievements:
2008
- Trikidz Triathlon boys’ Under-15 first to third leg champion
- Japanese School Biathlon boys’ Under-15 - third
- A Famosa International Triathlon boys’ Under-14 - third
- Port Dickson International Triathlon boys’ Under-13 - eighth
- Desaru International Distance and Sprint Triathlon boys’ Under-20 - 19th