Azizulhasni Awang says he is ‘super excited’ to welcome the world’s best to Malaysia for the third round of the UCI Track World Cup – and his final race in front of a home crowd.

‘Harrie Lavreysen performed really well in Hong Kong,’ he told a press conference, ‘and that has made me even more excited. I congratulated him after his win. He replied: see you soon in Malaysia.

‘This will be his first time racing in Malaysia and I can’t wait to race with him after not doing so for some time.’

Awang skipped the trip to Hong Kong, perhaps saving his 38-year old legs for what is sure to be a demanding weekend of competition. ‘With more riders participating, there will be more rounds to race in. The challenge is to remain strong until the end.’

The UCI’s preliminary registration website lists 58 riders currently intending to start: that could mean as many as 9 first-round heats, with repechages at both the first-round and quarter-final stages.

The early rounds will be especially intense, with only 1 or 2 qualifiers from each race.

Awang produced a remarkable last lap to win the keirin at Perth in March, snatching overall victory from Matthew Richardson at the line; and there’s no doubt he will want to wave goodbye to his home fans with a gold medal around his neck.

It was reported last week that the Pocket Rocketman is no longer listed on Malaysia’s LA28 Road To Gold programme; but this may simply be a reflection of his current short-term focus.

Having announced his intention to retire at the end of this season, he is lining up a grand exit from the international stage with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July, and September’s Asian Games in Japan.