PETALING JAYA, July 16 — Seven-time Asian champion Azizulhasni Awang said yesterday he “tried and failed” to get the authorities to “save” the Rakyat Velodrome in Ipoh.

The velodrome, built by public funds in 1989, is in a miserable state after being left neglected since 2013.

“I fought for the velodrome to be repaired and taken care of. It was just crying out for a roof,” said the keirin specialist.

“I wrote to the state government, Perak Tourism and Sports Council after the 2012 London Olympics to build at least a half-roof like at the Hyeres Velodrome in France or Koln Velodrome in Germany but nothing has been done.

“The state government changed the timber track a few times but it’s no use if it’s not protected from the weather.”

Azizulhasni said something must be done quickly to ensure the facility is not allowed to deteriorate further.

“The velodrome was built with people’s money for the people. Even some school children contributed. It hurts me to see it in its present state.”

He welcomed construction of the new velodrome in Nilai — scheduled to be completed before the 2017 SEA Games — but called for more to be built around the country.

“The Nilai velodrome is good to promote cycling but we need one in each zone including Sabah and Sarawak. Otherwise we can never realise our dream of producing world class cyclists,” he said.

His former teammate and 2010 Commonwealth Games keirin gold medallist Josiah Ng agreed, saying there is no point in building a Class 1 velodrome if it does not aid development.

“We need more, or at least a basic training venue in each state,” said Ng.

“I first suggested this more than 10 years ago and I’m now retired but it hasn’t happened.

“We need something more on the development side, that’s the actual way to go. Unfortunately our country seems more interested in impressing others.

“A basic velodrome costs roughly RM2 million and is better in the long run,” said the three-time Olympian (2004, 2008, and 2012).

Ng, who retired in February and now runs a business in Australia, also said the sport will continue to suffer if it is left to leaders “who have zero knowledge of cycling”.

Efforts to reach the Malaysian National Cycling Federation officials proved futile.