Absent cyclists join training camp

JAKARTA (JP): Two cyclists who withdrew from the SEA Games training camp are back in training in Subang, West Java, for the Games in October.

Brothers Hengky and Heriyanto Setiawan and Tubagus Maulana had sent a letter of resignation to the Indonesian Cycling Association saying they could not combine their busy training regime with their jobs.

Hengky and Heriyanto changed their minds two months ago, deciding to rejoin the training camp in Subang.

Sofian Ruzian, deputy director of the SEA Games cycling training camp, said Wednesday the athletes no longer had any problems with the program.

"Hengky and Heriyanto have adapted themselves to training in Subang," Sofian said.

Coach Bambang Subagyo welcomed the two cyclists' return. "Hengky and Heriyanto are good cyclists. Their attendance in Subang will push other cyclists to compete with them."

Bambang said Hengky was a velodrome specialist who would compete in the 4,000 meter team pursuit at the SEA Games with Yudi Febrianto, Eggi Eirin Ismail, M. Noerochman and Dwi Setiawan.

Bambang said Herriyanto would compete in the 1,000m individual time trial, the 4,000m team pursuit and the 30km points race.

Bambang said the cycling squad aimed for at least four gold medals at the Games, and could even grab all 16 gold medals at stake.

"We must be wary of cyclists from the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia which could threaten Indonesia in the SEA Games cycling competition."

Soccer

The women's soccer team coach, Muhardi, said he was confident the team could grab a gold medal at the SEA Games.

"I am ready to take the duty as the coach of the women's soccer team to capture a gold at the Jakarta Games. But I request that my training programs are fulfilled, including trial matches with China and other countries," Muhardi said Wednesday during training.

Muhardi said 20 women had been selected for the team, including six from Irian Jaya, five from Buana Putri club, Jakarta, four from Putri Priangan, Bandung, four from the army corps and one from Setia club, East Java.

"We are still waiting for one player from the Putri Kendari club. If the player does not show up, I will be forced to take her off the team," Muhardi said.

Muhardi expected that, after the team had played trial matches overseas, they would be ready for the Southeast Asian teams: "I am confident we can beat teams from Southeast Asia." (lnt)