The two-wheel battle “Thailand Open” kicks off competition at Khao Phraya Dern Thong with a fiercely tough finish cycling up to the mountain summit.
The Thailand Open mountain and road bike race for the national championship and the Royal Trophy of 2026 returns to Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province, held on 14-15 February 2026, during the Valentine’s Day festival. This marks the first time in 12 years since the last event here. “Sergeant Major Muek” reminded cyclists to train well because the finish line for both race categories is at the 270-degree viewpoint atop Khao Phraya Dern Thong. Surasak Jermsomb, mayor of Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, confirmed full readiness and warmly welcomed cyclists from all over, confident the event will stimulate the local economy and tourism.
“Sergeant Major Muek,” 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, revealed that the association, together with Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province, is organizing the Thailand Open mountain and road bike races for the 2026 national championship and the Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The first race will be held at Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality on 14-15 February, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day festival, making it a fitting celebration of love. This also marks the return of the event to Khao Phraya Dern Thong after the last race 12 years ago in 2014.
General Decha said the race routes will be entirely within Khao Phraya Dern Thong Subdistrict. The association appointed “Coach Tum,” Wisut Kasiyaphat, Deputy Technical Director, to survey the route. Coach Tum reported that the course is very challenging for cyclists because both the mountain and road race categories must finish at the 270-degree viewpoint atop Khao Phraya Dern Thong. Cyclists entering both categories must train their bodies and leg strength well to perform at their best. The rider with the highest total points across all four races will be crowned Thailand’s champion and awarded the Royal Trophy, a prestigious honor for themselves and their family legacy.
General Decha added that after the competition, cyclists and their companions can visit various attractions in Phatthana Nikhom District, such as Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, the longest earthen dam in Thailand, offering tram rides with scenic views; an aquarium; waterside picnic spots; and the unique floating train route at Khok Salung, a highlight during high water levels when the train appears to run on water. The race’s finish line viewpoint offers views of Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, the floating railway, and morning sea fog. Visitors can also enjoy sunflower fields and the Thai Boeng local museum in Khok Salung to learn about local culture. He urged cyclists to book accommodations promptly to avoid having to stay far from the race venue.
“Mayor Tee,” Surasak Jermsomb, mayor of Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, stated that the municipality has fully prepared the race routes, coordinated with police, health officials, and volunteer rescue teams to ensure safety along the course for all participating cyclists. Cyclists will enjoy beautiful scenery, especially at the 270-degree viewpoint finish line, where they can watch the sunrise atop Khao Phraya Dern Thong. He invited cyclists and their companions to join the race and visit Phatthana Nikhom District, confident the event will boost the local economy and promote tourism. The people of Khao Phraya Dern Thong Subdistrict and Phatthana Nikhom District warmly welcome all cyclists and tourists.
The schedule for the Thailand Open mountain bike race, national championship round 1, is Saturday, 14 February. The race starts at Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, cycling along Route 3333 past Lopburi Agricultural and Technology College, through sunflower fields, turning left at Khok Salung intersection, continuing straight onto Route 21, then turning left at Manaw Wan intersection before finishing at the 270-degree viewpoint atop Khao Phraya Dern Thong. The distance is 51 kilometers. The race will be live-streamed on Facebook Live by the Thailand Cycling Association and on YouTube: TCA Channel from 07:30.
The road bike race schedule for the Thailand Open national championship round 1 is Sunday, 15 February. The race starts at Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality, enters Soi 16, Line 2, turns left, then onto Route 5042 passing sunflower fields, turns left at Khok Salung intersection, continues straight on Route 21, then turns left at Manaw Wan intersection before finishing at the 270-degree viewpoint atop Khao Phraya Dern Thong. The total distance is 69 kilometers. It will also be live-streamed on Facebook Live by the Thailand Cycling Association and on YouTube: TCA Channel from 07:30.
Athletes interested in participating can register on the Cycling Association of Thailand’s website at www.thaicycling.or.th starting now until registration closes at 12:00 on Thursday, 12 February. On-site registration is also available at the race command center in front of Khao Phraya Dern Thong Municipality on Friday, 13 February, from 10:00 to 17:00. For details, follow the Cycling Association’s Facebook page, Thailand Cycling Association, or contact 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.