Jo & Beauty Products

My skin is always exposed to the sun because of road cycling. I ride against the wind all the time. My skin gets dry. When I go to cold countries, my skin gets flaky. When I’m in a hot country, I get rashes. My skin’s fighting against all odds. This Christmas, I received some gifts from someone. They were beauty products called Kiehl’s and it’s suitable for me because the brand caters for sports people.

An excerpt found on kiehls.com:

Over the years, the many passions and interests of Kiehl’s founding family have become a part of the visual and emotional fabric of Kiehl’s Since 1851. Our founding family members passed on traditions of civic responsibility, service and a passionate commitment for Kiehl’s and our products. Their enthusiasm for living was further characterized by their interests in active adventure sports – from racecar driving to motorcycling, flying stunt planes and participating in world championship alpine ski competitions. Later, Kiehl’s extended family – which includes the employees who have committed themselves to our customers the world over – introduced cycling and equestrian sports to Kiehl’s heritage and legacy.

The present.

Mmm..yummy lipbalm.

Ahhh…shampoo?

This one’s the ultimate one for active hands with corns and callouses from weight-lifting etc. It doesn’t smell at all and it absorbs quickly.

Masque ze face, once in a while. Thanks for the presents!

Any potential sponsors from skincare company? I can show you the before and after of Josiah Ng’s skin. *winks*

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Cycling in Malaysia 2007

The Year In Review / Cycling: Roller coaster ride for cyclists

UPLIFTED as Malaysian cycling may have been by performances and historic milestones achieved in 2007, a mere four gold medals at the Korat Sea Games served as an anti-climax to an eventful year.

Rizal Tisin slumped and bounced back in astonishing fashion, shaving two seconds off the 1km time trial national record in a space of four months.

Loh Sea Keong

Josiah Ng

The velodrome is where Malaysia began ploughing through obstacles, improving by leaps and bounds with seven riders ending the year in the top 30 of the world rankings in their respective events.

This is undoubtedly the discipline of cycling that promises an Olympic medal, if not in Beijing, then in London in 2012.

From one Asian champion (Rizal Tisin in the keirin) in 2006, the silky smooth, precise and entertainingly explosive sprinting of pint-sized Azizul Hasni Awang delivered the first of two Asian Championships gold medals this year.

The 19-year-old Harrif Salleh, as a result of his surprise scratch race gold medal in the Asian Championships in Bangkok, spent a good two months ranked joint world number one, but has since slumped to 11th.

Rizal, after ending the country’s 17-year-wait for an Asian champion last year, slumped and bounced back in astonishing fashion, shaving two seconds off the 1km time trial national record in the space of four months.Critics will remember that at about this time two years ago, the 1km time trial national mark was a distant one minute 06.011 seconds, set by Hafiz Sufian. Rizal’s new mark of 1:03.781s was set en route to a sixth placed finish in the first round of the UCI World Cup in Sydney last month.

Malaysia continued to break new ground on the world stage with the track sprints squad based in Melbourne, while the endurance squad, despite Harrif’s Asian Championships feat, were found lagging.

All that was exposed in the Korat Sea Games, where on paper, Malaysia were supposed to be unrivalled in the region in at least seven of the track events, but eventually ended with just four gold medals.

While the sprints squad benefited from keirin ace Josiah Ng’s drive to produce a programme under respected Australian coach John Beasley, the endurance squad are heading nowhere fast.

That doesn’t seem likely to change, but a move towards improvement began to be charted in the other area of endurance cycling — on the road.

At least three Malaysian road cyclists were good enough to be exported this year, history being made by 21-year-old Ng Yong Li — who became the first ever Malaysian professional rider when he signed with Portuguese team Vitoria-ASC.

Loh Sea Keong, riding for China-registered Discovery Channel-Marco Polo, produced the most memorable performance by a Malaysian rider in the 12th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) in February.

Sea Keong, 21, seeing that his team were depleted with three early retirements, produced a combative performance, attacking each stage of the race.

One of the most memorable moments in the history of LTdL came about when Sea Keong launched a solo attack entering his hometown of Kuala Krai in Kelantan, where what must have been the town’s entire population lined the streets to give him a glorious reception.

Another youngster, 21-year-old Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi etched his name into the history books in October, while riding for French club ASPTT-Mulhouse.

The Penangite became the first Malaysian to win a race in Europe, when he took to the top of the podium in the GP Soultz-sous-Forets in France.

Back home, continental team Le Tua were making waves in the UCI Asia Tour with sprinter Anuar Manan and Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, the former opening the year with a points classification victory in the revived Jelajah Malaysia.

Anuar became the first Malaysian to register a class win in an international race since Suhardi Hassan’s mountains classification win in the 2003 Tour of Indonesia.

He bettered that, by bagging two stage wins in the Tour of Hong Kong-Shanghai, another in the Tour of East Java and taking the points classification in the Tour of Korea, where he also won a stage.

Anuar cemented his status as Asia’s top stage race sprinter when he took stage wins in the UCI 2.1 grade Tour of Hainan in October, becoming the first Malaysian to win a stage in a first category international race.

Malaysia also broke new ground on the road this year when the nation qualified four riders for the Under-23 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany in October.

Expectations of a good performance by Yong Li, Fauzan, Sea Keong and Rauf Nor Misbah, however, fizzled out as they found the level of competition simply too high.

The big events too made the headlines, although in contrasting fashion.

Jelajah Malaysia, South East Asia’s oldest stage race, made an impressive return after a two-year hiatus under new organisers 10-Speed Events and earned itself a place as the first event on the global calendar this year.

Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) with its failed previous organisers First Cartel Sdn Berhad, on the other hand, dragged Malaysian cycling into its ugliest ever controversy.

Irregularities in accounts to money owed to local and foreign contractors, brought the race to its knees until the Government stepped in with a buy-out fund.

That didn’t end the controversies as the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), entrusted with the organisation of the 12th edition, was then bogged down by in-fighting.

All that ended in a well-organised LTdL won by a Frenchman for the first time, when Credit Agricole rider Anthony Charteau took the honours, but too much of a scandal ensured the controversies dragged on until much later.

An Anti-Corruption Agency investigation and accounts closed with irregularities noted, the Government decided to take full control of the race, now run by an organising committee chaired by Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusof.

All in all, 2007 served up a roller coaster ride for Malaysian cycling, something that kept us on the edge of our seats.

The one name least mentioned, top keirin Josiah, who has only just come back after recovering from a collarbone injury at the World Championships in April, will lead the way again in the Olympic year that comes next.

More than anything, 2007 provided food for thought in all areas and the belief that cycling is a sport that Malaysians can excel in if only we focus on improvement and not be held back by the unnecessary.

 Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Sport/2117978/Article/index_html 

Cycling: Josiah confident of Beijing outing

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

A MERE second away from equalling the current best times in the world and the team sprint squad on the brink of Olympic qualification, Josiah Ng confidently sees at least four cyclists carrying the nation’s flag in Beijing.

The current world rankings show a strong possibility of all five riders in Australian coach John Beasley’s sprinters stable making the World Championships in Manchester, England on March 26-30.

Extra tickets to August’s Olympics in Beijing will be gained from the World Championships, if not direct entry via the UCI World Cup, which has just two more rounds remaining in Los Angeles on Jan 18-20 and Ballerup, Denmark on Feb 15-17.

Having set a super-fast national record of 45.511 seconds in Round Two of the UCI World Cup in Beijing on Dec 7, the team sprint squad with new starter Edrus Yunus, Josiah and Rizal Tisin, marked their improvement by closing the gap to the top nations.

The combination of Edrus, Junaidi Nasir and Azizul Hasni Awang took the gold medal in the Sea Games last week, and a combination without Josiah is likely to be tested again in the Los Angeles leg of the World Cup.
“It looks good, but I’m going to refrain from saying that we’ve confirmed our place in the Olympics. We need one more good result from either the World Cup or World Championships to nick it,” said Josiah.

“The top teams are clocking 44-second times in the team sprint and we’re a second off that. I’d say if we get to the Olympics, by that time we should be clocking under 45 seconds.”

Josiah is 11th in the keirin world rankings, while Asian champion Azizul is now 16th, but with each country limited to just two spots in the Olympics for that event, both could be off to Beijing for the keirin.

Blu Inc’s Thank You Party

Date: 14 December 2007
Time: 7pm
Venue: Heritage Mansion, Jalan Kamunting

The inside of Heritage Mansion. Buffet dinner style with long queue. The whole place was booked out solely for this event.

Meet the editorial team of Seventeen Mag. Their personalities are synonymous with the magazine they have a passion to work for. They’re so bubbly, friendly, bright and vibrant! 

Kenneth Tan, writer of Men’s Health on the left. He wrote my article. Thanks Kenneth for everything.

Meet Tony Eusoff , December’s front-cover guy for Men’s Health.

Thank you Tracy Mok and Kenneth Tan for inviting.

Confident Josiah eyes second Olympic appearance

National cyclist Josiah Ng (extreme right) poses with children at the FedEx-Shelter Home Christmas Party in Petaling Jaya yesterday. Pic: AMIRUDIN SAHIB

THE Korat Sea Games was just part of the journey as national track cyclist Josiah Ng will now continue his trek towards a successful outing at next year’s Beijing Olympics.

With the qualifying ending only after the World Championship next March, Josiah is confident to make it through for a second Olympic appearance.

“I am very confident that I will qualify for the games, especially after making it into the final at the World Cup in Sydney and winning the gold at the Sea Games,” said Josiah, 27.

“All I need to do is to keep focus, be free of injury and take good care of myself before the Olympics.”

He also said he hopes to be more consistent and maintain a good form for the coming year.

And after bagging the gold in Korat, Josiah returned to play Santa Claus yesterday giving out early Christmas gifts to children at the FedEx-Shelter Home Christmas Party at Petaling Jaya.

“I had fun with the children here, this visit gives me the opportunity to give back to the society and I am happy to be their role model.

“I’ve always like to be a mentor to my younger teammates, and also to these young aspiring kids, by sharing my story.

“I hope to do more of this in the future,” said Josiah, who is in town for a one-week break and will return to Melbourne after Christmas to continue training.

– SHIRLEXIA TAN

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Sport/2112170/Article/index_html 

Gold This Xmas

I dedicate this gold as a Christmas present to my family members, sponsors and friends. Thank you all who have supported me. This one’s for you.

This Christmas, I wish for more golds in the year 2008.

Malaysia pick up two golds from Josiah and pursuit team

MALAYSIA completed the final day of the track cycling programme with two gold medals more from Josiah Ng in the men’s individual sprint and the men’s 4km team pursuit at the velodrome in the Korat Sports Complex yesterday. 

Azizul Hasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapa also picked up a silver and bronze from the men’s and women’s individual pursuit competitions respectively. 

One-two: Josiah Ng (left) celebrates with Mohd Azizulhasni Awang as they won the gold and silver medals respectively in the sprint final.

The highlight of the day was the men’s 4km team pursuit with the quartet of Amir Mustafa Rusli, Mohd Jasmin Ruslan, Mohd Akmal Amrun and Mohd Harrif Saleh clocking 4:27.919 to shave almost 12 seconds off the Games record of 4:39.560, also set by Malaysia at the last Games in Manila. 

They defeated the Thailand team of Pornthep Pinkaew, Thanawat Somna, Suphut Theerawanitchanan, and Thurakit Boonratanathanakorn in the final. The Thais clocked 4:39.299. 

Malaysia trailed the Thais midway through the race until Thurakit pulled out. Malaysia then held the advantage and pulled ahead for a comfortably victory. The Philippines took the bronze after Indonesia failed to finish the race. 

Fatehah Mustapa (left) being congratulated by the Philippines’ Apryl Eppinger after winning the bronze in the women’s event yesterday.

“It was an incredible ride. We all worked together very well. Improving the time by such a big margin was a bonus for us,” said Mohd Jasmin, who was part of the winning team two years ago. 

“We kept up with the pace in the initial stages and stepped it up after the sixth lap. A bit of good luck also did help with one of the Thai riders pulling out 

In an all-Malaysian men’s individual sprint final, Josiah defeated team-mate Azizul 2-0 in the best of three rides. 

“Azizul pushed me right up to the end. Well, the first round, it kind of played into my hands,” said Josiah. 

The Malaysian cycling team rejoice after winning the team pursuit event in a new Games record.

“The past 10 days, I have been travelling around from Sydney to Beijing now here. It took its toll on me and my legs were not as strong for the second round. It’s turning out to be a healthy rivalry between Azizul and me,” said Josiah. 

Indonesian Asep Suryaman defeated Charaspong Niwanit of Thailand 2-0 to claim the bronze. 

Fatehah defeated Aprul Eppinger of the Philippines 2-0 in the race for the bronze in the women’s individual sprint. Indonesian Uyun Muzizah beat Thailand’s Jutatip Maneephan 2-0 in the final. 

Source: http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/12/13/sports/19752917&sec=sports 

Good Luck Beijing

Immediately after Sydney ended, the whole track cycling caravan packed up and moved on to the next venue which was held as a pre-Olympic test event in conjunction with the 2nd World Cup. We flew Malaysian airlines via Kuala Lumpur which was an eight hour/six hour flight with a three hour lay over in KL. On our flight was the Dutch team, part of the American team, Spanish team and Mexican team. I slept for most of the flight so it went by pretty fast. Theo the Bos and myself were lucky enough to get upgraded to Business so our flight was made even better by the fine service we received. The MAS crew knew who we were so it was nice to get the additional royal treatment.

The track in Beijing was very well designed. Everything from the building to the actual track itself was of Olympic caliber. They heated the infield to a warm 30 degrees but I think on the actual track it was about 25-27 degrees which was optimal for some fast times.

Our team sprint changed two members from Sydney. Instead of Junaidi, young 19 year old Edrus (we call him Eddie the “Eagle” ) stated us out in a very solid 18.2. Not bad for a young kid who was doing a start for only the 2nd time in competition on a 250m track. I think there is a lot more to come from this talent. I felt pretty good despite having a horrible cough and a sore throat. My split was a 13.3 which was 6th fastest out of 27 teams! I was happy to have been slightly faster than Jason Quelly’s split. My split was also slightly faster than one of the German and Aussie teams. Rizal anchored and did a good job with a 13.9. We had to be happy to shatter our national record with a 45.5. Our previous best was a 46.2. It was good enough for only 13th place which was a real bummer because 12th place is when the points end!

The following day was my pet event, the Keirin. I felt quite confident and was eager to get it on. I was in heat 5 out of 6 heats. The same cut throat rules applied as in Sydney with only the winner qualifying to the semi finals. I had Kevin Sireau of France in my heat so he was the only danger. The fiesty Greek rider also posed a threat as he can cause some havoc. I decided to take the motor and control from the front. I believe a Spaniard or Czech made the first move and I gladly let him take over and defend from 2nd position. Coming in bell lap the Greek made a move so I had to commit. Then came the super speedster, Sireau. I threw a decent hook and drag raced him to the finish but out of turn three I started to sputter. He powered through and I had lost the battle. That took a lot out of me. I rode it very well tactically but Sireau was just too strong.

I tried my best to recover from that but in the Rep about fifteen minutes later I was still gassed. I didn’t even have enough to make a move. Another French, Arnaud Tournant took the win easily and that was the end of the line for me. Better luck next time.

We had to quickly pack up move on. Our next destination was Korat, Thailand. I had to skip the sprints the next day and travel to the South East Asian games. Yet another long trip in our hectic schedule. It took all day and we finally arrived at the Games village at 1 am. And guess what, today I had to compete only 15 hour after we arrived. Luckily it was only a 200 meter qualifier. My first time on the track was when I had to actually ride the 200m. That wasn’t ideal but I had no choice. I still managed an okay time of 10.62. Enough to break the Games record and qualify first ahead of my teammate, Azizul.

Tomorrow, we have the quarter finals and on Wednesday, we have the semi’s and finals. Wish me luck. Cheers!

World Cup Sydney

A record number of 395 riders were entered in this past weekend’s world cup,  including 15 reigning world champions.  Everyone’s goal in mind is to pursue important points toward Olympic qualification.  My goal leading up to this was to make the keirin final and make PB’s in the 200m sprint and team sprint.

On Friday, our Malaysian team of Junaidi, Azizul and myself lined up for the team sprint.  There were 26 teams which is about double of what it usually is.  Our goal was to end up in the middle somwhere and make a national record.  We just missed out on our national record by a tenth of a second which was a disappointment.  We ended up 17th with a time of 46.39.  Our goal was a mid 45 seconds which we are very capable of.

My pet event, the keirin was held on Saturday.  When I saw the start list, I had to swallow a big lump in my throat.  There were 6 heats totalling 37 riders and only the winners of each heat and each repecharge would make it through the semi finals!  Usually the first 2 riders make it through but it had to be cut down to only winners because of the amount of riders starting.   I dread heat five which included two strong riders from Japan and Ukraine.   I fought for the bike and tried to control it from the front.  The move came with a lap and a half to go and the Ukraine rider choped my front wheel.  I narrowly avoided crashing by backing off and made my move on the back straight.  I sitll had a lot of power left and managed to cross the line second to the Ukraine rider but I knew he would most probably be relegated for his dangerous move.  My assumption was confirmed five minutes later and I breathed a sigh of relief.  In the semi finals, I drew the first heat which included the reigning world champion, Chris Hoy of GB, Stephan Nimke from Germany, Michael Bourgain from France, Vinokurov from Ukraine (again!)  and a good sized Chinese.  I fought for the motor again and won but Chris wanted it as well.  I gladly obliged!  I thought to myself at the time oh this is so perfect.  I also had to remind myself do hold on for dear life and glue myself to his wheel!  I did a great job and he took me all the way to the line to qualify for the finals!  I was jubilant!

Just to give you an idea of the depth in the keirin field here, the two top Germans, Australians, and French didn’t make it to the final.  Superstar Gregory Bourge of France didn’t even make it out of the first round!

The final consisted of the three reigning world championship medalists Hoy, Edgar, and Bos.  Roberto Chiappa, Andrey Vinokurov and myself weren’t really a factor in the final as Hoy and Edgar teamed up to stretch it out as soon as the motor pulled off.  Even the superstar Theo Bos didn’t have an answer to their sheer genius.   I still have a bit of work to do before I can have a good impact in that field with that horsepower.

Having done so well in the keirin motivated me for the 200m qualifying the next day.  There was an unbelievable 67 starters!  Yet another world cup or world championship record.  Beforehand, I spoke to my coach, John Beasley and we thought that the cut-off would be in the high 10.3’s to be top 16.  I normally go about 10.5 on a good day!  So I had to make a perfect run just to qualify.  I did just that, and qualified in a time of 10.38.  I felt pretty good about that until I found out that I was 17th!   Thats absurd that a 10.38 can’t even get me in the sprint rounds.   The trade team rule screws riders like me because it allows the big powerhouse countries like France, German, GB, and Australia to field their entire sprint teams! 

Well, I made my personal best on a 250m track so there isn’t much else I can do except try again at the next world cup.  I’m off to Beijing today. Wish me more luck!  Cheers.