Malaysian cycling legends hope that the opening of the Malaysian National Velodrome, the first indoor velodrome in Southeast Asia, will help to produce more track cyclists of global stature.

Olympian Rosman Alwi said the RM80 million velodrome has all the facilities needed by any track cyclist in preparation for local and international championships.

Rosman, who made two appearances in the Olympic Games (Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988) said the technology used in the velodrome was comparable to other velodomes in several countries.

"I've gone to many velodromes in the world and what is available at the National Velodrome is indeed sophisticated. I find the technology here, for example the track surface, is very satisfactory.

"Our success is continued by world keirin champion Mohd Azizulhasni Awang. I hope more back-up athletes will be found," he told reporters after the opening of the velodrome here, Thursday.

Other than Rosman, four local cycling legends, namely, Josiah Ng, Ng Joo Ngan, M.Kumaresan and Mohd Azizul were given the honor of opening the velodrome.

It was witnessed by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Sharing the same view is 1970 Asian Games gold medalist, Datuk Ng Joo Ngan who described the construction of the velodrome as timely since the sport has brought honour to the country.

"After so many years, we have a world champion. I hope the velodrome will encourage more riders to create a name for themselves on the world stage," said Ng.

Josiah Ng was delighted to see that the country has finally managed to build a world class velodrome which meets the requirements set by the International Cycling Union.

"This is special moment for me and also our ex-national cyclists as our country has its own velodrome, which is my childhood dreams, and hopefully our fellow Malaysians will fully utilise this venue," he said.

-- BERNAMA