Malaysian track cyclist Lau New Joe is preparing to make his Asian Games debut in Shizuoka, Japan, following a rapid recovery from a serious crash at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last month. The 21-year-old endurance rider suffered significant facial injuries after a high-speed collision at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, during which he lost five teeth and was hospitalized overnight.

The accident occurred when riders ahead of Lau crashed unexpectedly, leaving him unable to avoid the impact. He recalled regaining consciousness in an ambulance, initially uncertain if the pain he felt was real. Despite the severity of his injuries, a CT scan showed no bone fractures, enabling him to resume training just five days later.

“My first thought was whether I was able to go to the Asian Games,” Lau said, reflecting on the incident. “I felt sorry for the team as they have prepared me and I wasted their effort.” After learning that he could safely return to competition, he committed himself to the upcoming event with renewed determination.

Lau’s previous bike was destroyed in the crash, but he will compete in Shizuoka on a new track bike provided by Malaysia’s National Sports Council. He is scheduled to race in the men’s omnium discipline, marking his debut at the Asian Games. The Malaysian squad, which includes Lau as its sole endurance rider, traveled to Japan after concluding a training camp in Brisbane.

Lau is eager to demonstrate Malaysia’s capabilities in track endurance cycling, a field where the country has traditionally focused less compared to sprint events. “When I am on the start line, I want to give my all and have no regrets,” he said.

The cyclist has already experienced success at regional multi-sport competitions. He was a member of the gold medal-winning team pursuit quartet during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and secured a silver medal in the points race at the same event.

His comeback from a frightening crash to compete on Asia’s biggest stage highlights his resilience and determination as he aims to contribute to Malaysia’s cycling achievements at the Asian Games.