KUALA LUMPUR: National track cyclist Ridwan Sahrom is looking to break away from tradition and become a force in the individual sprint discipline.

Malaysia has over the past two decades produced strong keirin riders such as Josiah Ng, Azizulhasni Awang and more recently Ridwan's elder brother Shah Firdaus.

Ridwan, 23, said he is keen to take another path and wants to improve his abilities in the individual sprint.

"I especially like the individual sprint event because it is a one-on-one event where we can really show what we are capable of," said Ridwan recently.

"For the keirin we have produced some very good riders such as Azizulhasni and Shah and I am hoping to do the same in the individual sprint, I want to do something different.

"It is a tougher event to compete in, especially at the world level, because the other (European) sprinters are much bigger than us physically. The competition is very stiff.

"But it is a chance for me to challenge myself and see how far I can go."

Bigger and stronger riders have traditionally excelled in the individual sprint where riders have to produce their own power and have less opportunity to draft off their opponents.

Ridwan has impressed in the individual sprint at the ongoing President's Cup Series, winning bronze in Series One and gold in Series Two.

The President's Cup Series, which is being held at the National Velodrome in Nilai, comprises Series One (Jan 14-15), Series Two (Jan 18-19) and Series Three (Jan 22-23).

Ridwan, at 1.81 metres, is one cm taller than Shah, 29, and currently and is not too far off his brother's maximum power figures.

"At the moment my max power is about 2,100 watts and I am looking to maintain that for the time being," said Ridwan.

"I am, however, a bit heavier at 90 kilogrammes at the moment because we are building up for the Asian Championships next month but will try to lose one or two kgs by then to improve my power-to-weight ratio."

Ridwan and Fadhil Zonis are currently in competition for the second slot in the national team, behind Shah, ahead of the Asian Championships which will also be held in Nilai on Feb Feb 21-27.

The slot has opened up as Azizulhasni is currently focusing on completing his studies and is not expected to return to competitive action anytime soon.