Santia, Uyun vie for Olympic slots<\/p>\n
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Santia Tri Kusuma and Uyun Muzizah will take part in two of the
\nfour world series in a bid to take berths in the 2004 Olympics in
\nAthens, according to a top official of the Indonesian Cycling
\nAssociation (ISSI).<\/p>\n
\"We have decided that Santia and Uyun will race in just two of
\nthe series,\" ISSI secretary-general Sofian Ruzian told The
\nJakarta Post here on Monday.<\/p>\n
Sofian said that the decision had been made to save money.<\/p>\n
The ISSI has also decided to send Ferinanto in the men's
\ncategory but only in one series. However, the gold medalist at
\nthe recent Southeast Asian (SEA) will likely find the competition
\nmore difficult than his female compatriots.<\/p>\n
Ferinanto earned one of the four gold medals the Indonesian
\ncycling team won at the SEA Games in Vietnam in December, while
\nSantia contributed two.<\/p>\n
The two series will be in Manchester, England, from April 9 to
\n11 and Sydney from May 14 to 16. Santia and Uyun will not join
\nthe earlier two series in Moscow and Mexico respectively.<\/p>\n
Their performances in the series will decide whether the
\nriders, who will be racing in the 20-kilometer Point Race, are
\neligible to compete in the next World Cup in May, from which the
\nten top contenders in the final rankings will qualify for Athens.<\/p>\n
Despite the potentially tough competition, Sofian said that
\nthey were optimistic about the Indonesian riders' prospects.<\/p>\n
Even if they fail, they -- particularly Santia -- can hope the
\nother results go in their favor or expect a wild card as the
\nAsian cycling federation has promised to give to any rider from
\nthe continent with good prospects.<\/p>\n
\"If our riders fail in the series or the World Cup, we will
\nrest our hopes on Korean rider Han Song-hee,\" Sofian said.<\/p>\n
Already-qualified Han is currently leading the Grade B
\nrankings, with Santia in second place.<\/p>\n
With the top ranked rider assured of a place, an opportunity
\nwill open up for Santia if the Korean also manages to take a top
\nten place in the World Cup. If this happens, the Indonesian will
\nautomatically move to the top of the rankings, thus qualifying
\nfor Athens.<\/p>\n
\"We can also be hopeful that the Asian federation will grant a
\nwild card to either Santia or Uyun,\" Sofian said.<\/p>\n
Uyun was the silver medalist at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan
\nwhile Santia took bronze in the road race and individual pursuit
\nrespectively.<\/p>\n
\"However, it would be better if Santia and Uyun do the job
\nthemselves. We hope Santia will continue her winning form at the
\nSEA Games with a more convincing performance at the higher
\nlevel,\" Sofian said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/santia-uyun-vie-for-olympic-slots-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}