Australian technical director John Beasley is preparing for an emotional farewell as he leads the Malaysian track cycling team at the upcoming Asian Games in Shizuoka, Japan. The competition, which runs from September 29 to October 2 at the Izu Velodrome, will mark Beasley’s final appearance with the team after more than two decades of involvement.

Beasley, 64, tendered his resignation with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) prior to departing for a training camp in Brisbane, Australia. His official tenure with the Malaysian cycling program will conclude on October 31. Since first joining the team in 2006, Beasley served as head coach before being promoted to technical director following the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Reflecting on his long career with the team, Beasley acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment. “More than 20 years of involvement with Malaysian cycling. We went through the highs and lows,” he said, emphasizing his focus remains on helping athletes perform at their best. “My job is to help them arrive at the Games confident, prepared and focused on what they can control.”

The recent training camp in Brisbane provided a quiet environment away from external distractions, allowing the athletes and coach to focus fully on preparation. Beasley described the atmosphere as “relaxed but focused,” noting the importance of balancing encouragement with constructive challenges. “I have been reassuring the athletes when they need it and challenging them, in a supportive way, to think about how they can improve each day.”

Beasley expressed pride in the personal and professional growth he has witnessed within the team over the years. Highlighting one notable example, he recalled working with Datuk Azizul since the cyclist was 19 years old. Now 38, Azizul has established a family of his own with a wife and four daughters.

“Sharing that journey with him, and with this team, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Beasley said. While he hopes for strong performances at the Asian Games, his reflections centered on the lasting relationships and development fostered through his decades of coaching.