Johor Bahru’s World Cycling Center satellite is Southeast Asia’s first UCI hub, aiming to develop regional talent and boost Malaysia’s cycling profile
THE official recognition of the World Cycling Center (WCC) Regional Development Satellite (RDS) in Johor Bahru marks a significant milestone for cycling development in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed it is the first International Cycling Union (UCI) satellite centre in the region.
She said the Johor centre is the fourth in Asia after South Korea, China, and Japan.
“There are only 11 such satellite centres in the world, and Malaysia now joins that list,” she said at a press conference after the launch at the Johor Velodrome.
Yeoh added that the satellite centre would increase Malaysia’s presence in the regional cycling scene.
She expressed hope that the recognition would open more room for grant support from the UCI, Malaysian government, and Johor state.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the WCC was established to develop young athletes in disciplines like BMX and track cycling.
He stated it is expected to become a hub for nurturing young athletes in the region while boosting Malaysia’s international profile.
“We will work with coaches from WCC in Switzerland and other experts to nurture as many athletes as possible,” he added.
Gill explained the centre is designed to support Malaysia and neighbouring ASEAN countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei.
This enables joint training, knowledge sharing, and fostering regional cycling talent.
UCI president David Lappartient said the union hopes to continue expanding the reach of cycling worldwide.
“We have 206 national federations affiliated with the UCI, which shows that cycling is truly a global sport,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining universality across cycling disciplines as a reason for building a large network of satellite centres. – Bernama
