The Thai cycling squad is continuing its quest for SEA Games gold medals. Harvey Creps, coach of the Thai national BMX team, is confident that Gometh Sukprasert will win two gold medals in BMX.
On 11 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Harvey Creps, coach of Thailand's national BMX team, expressed confidence that Gometh Sukprasert will claim two gold medals in BMX at the 33rd SEA Games. After recent timed trials, Gometh achieved his personal best time. Meanwhile, General Muek invited cycling fans to support Thai riders during the competitions on 12-13 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at Kamon Sports Park (FBT) in Bangkok, starting at 18:00 each day. The venue will be illuminated to showcase the most beautiful and standard BMX track in Asia.
The 33rd SEA Games mountain biking competition took place at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi Province, on 11 Dec 2025 GMT+7, featuring one gold medal event in the men's cross-country eliminator. General Muek, Lieutenant General Decha Hemkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, along with Mr. Montra Thanpho, Head of Development at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and many Thai cycling fans, attended to support the athletes.
In the men's cross-country eliminator event, 10 cyclists from six countries competed. Thailand had two riders: Tomorn S.T. Poonsiri Sirimongkol and Owen Lt. Col. Watcharakorn Onthuri. Watcharakorn advanced to the final four, but Thai riders could not match the experience of their rivals. The gold medal went to Randy Varera Sanjaya of Indonesia, who had previously won silver in men's downhill; silver to Zulfikri Zulkifli of Malaysia; and bronze to Mark Luvel Valderama of the Philippines. Watcharakorn placed fourth. In the mountain biking medal tally, Thailand ranked first with two golds and one bronze, Indonesia second with one gold and two silvers, Malaysia third with one silver, and the Philippines fourth with two bronzes.
After the competition, Lieutenant General Decha revealed that the Cycling Association of Thailand has adjusted its strategy by promoting promising young athletes to replace senior riders whose ages are increasing. In today's race, Poonsiri, a veteran, faltered before a turn and was overtaken, finding it difficult to reclaim his position. Watcharakorn showed strong power but lost control during a corner after contact with a Filipino rider, who then passed him due to superior experience. This is a lesson for coaching staff to address. Nevertheless, Watcharakorn and other young riders still have room to improve. The association plans to support them in competing at higher levels to gain more experience. Additionally, there is a long-term plan to send mountain bikers abroad for training, similar to road, BMX, and track cyclists.
Lieutenant General Decha also stated that the next cycling event will be BMX competitions held from 12-13 December at Kamon Sports Park in Nong Chok District, Bangkok. The Cycling Association of Thailand maintains a goal of winning two gold medals from 'Ae' Staff Sergeant Gometh Sukprasert in both the time trial and BMX racing events. His main competitor is Patrick Ben Koo from the Philippines, who previously trained alongside Gometh at the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Switzerland. Regarding Gometh’s injury, Swiss head coach Mr. Harvey Creps reported that Gometh has fully recovered and is physically 100% ready to compete.
General Muek said that five countries will compete in the BMX events: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Thailand’s competitors include Gometh and young rider Buddhabhum Nakpan, the latest Asian youth champion. On 12 December, the time trial event will take place with seven athletes each completing two timed runs, with the best time winning gold. On 13 December, the BMX racing event will feature seven athletes competing in three motos; the rider with the highest points will take the gold medal.
"Both competitions will begin at 18:00, but fans can watch practice sessions starting at 15:00, with free admission and no entry fee," General Muek said. "During medal events, Kamon Sports Park will illuminate the track to showcase the most beautiful and standard BMX course in Asia. Importantly, spectators will avoid the heat of the sun. We invite all Thai people to come support the national BMX team here at Kamon Sports Park. Besides Gometh, we also have a chance to win silver or bronze from Buddhabhum. We ask Thai sports fans to cheer enthusiastically to encourage our athletes in their quest for gold medals and to bring honor to Thailand. Thank you."
Swiss head coach Mr. Harvey Creps stated that Gometh’s injury is no longer a concern. Gometh is fully fit at 100%. In recent timed trials, Gometh posted excellent times, achieving his personal best, even better than when he won the Asian championship in 2024 at this same venue. Creps is confident Gometh will win both gold medals, presenting a New Year’s gift to Thai sports fans. He also believes Buddhabhum has a chance to surprise and win a medal.
The BMX competition schedule for the 33rd SEA Games at Kamon Sports Park, Suwinthawong Road, Nong Chok District, Bangkok is as follows: On 12 December at 18:00, one gold medal will be contested in the BMX time trial event; on 13 December at 18:00, one gold medal will be contested in the BMX racing event. Admission is free and open to all interested spectators.