Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, was deeply impressed to see over 500 cyclists competing in the Thailand Open Road Race, Round 1 of the 2026 National Championship for the Royal Cup.
Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, expressed his deep impression upon seeing more than 500 cyclists flock to compete in the Thailand Open Road Race, Round 1 of the 2026 National Championship for the Royal Cup at Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality. Including over 1,000 accompanying persons, he thanked the Cycling Association for helping to boost the local economy and tourism. He also announced preparations for Lopburi to host the third round of the National Road and Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Cup from 6-8 March 2026. Live broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube drew over 17,000 views, totaling more than 33,000 views over two days.
The flat mountain bike and road cycling Thailand Open National Championship for the Royal Cup of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, 2026 Round 1, was held from 14-15 February 2026 at Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province. On 15 February, the road race opening ceremony was chaired by Lieutenant Commander Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi. Present were Navy Captain Thitiporn Noirak, Secretary-General of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage; representatives of 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; District Chief Thanat Ajinkit of Phatthana Nikhom; Mayor Surasak Jermsombut of Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality; and other officials.
Lieutenant Commander Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, said he was very impressed by the competition atmosphere, with over 500 athletes and more than 1,000 accompanying persons. He thanked the Cycling Association of Thailand for choosing Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi, as the venue for the Thailand Open Road Race Round 1. He also thanked all athletes for their participation, which brought vibrancy to Lopburi and effectively stimulated the local economy and tourism. After the event, he invited cyclists and their companions to attend the 2026 King Narai the Great Land Festival from 13-22 February at Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace. The people of Lopburi warmly welcome all tourists.
The Deputy Governor added that Lopburi is honored that the Cycling Association of Thailand chose Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality to co-host the National Road and Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Cups—the “King Bhumibol” and His Majesty the King’s Royal Cups—Round 3 from 6-8 March. He invited cyclists nationwide to join, along with their supporters and the public to encourage the athletes and visit Lopburi. The event also symbolizes loyalty to the monarchy, promotes health, and campaigns to reduce harmful habits, especially the spread of e-cigarettes among youth, encouraging cycling to develop the nation.
Kanpitcha Banterngkul, a cyclist from the STREAM BIKE team, said she traveled from Nakhon Ratchasima to compete. She described the atmosphere as lively with many participants from both local and other provinces. The event promotes Lopburi’s tourism, as cyclists visit attractions after competing. It was her first time cycling up Khao Phraya Den Thong, which was quite steep. Besides improving health, she said participating in such events also helps expand social connections and friendships.
The Thailand Open Road Race Round 1 covered 61 km and was broadcast live on the Thailand Cycling Association’s Facebook page and TCA Channel, as well as on YouTube: TCA Channel. The broadcasts attracted over 17,000 views on the first day and totaled more than 33,000 views over two days. Notable race results include the following.
Men’s public category: 1st place, Nattakorn Kaewmukda, HCCT by Uncle Teng Gas Station team, with a time of 1:35:36; 2nd place, Thawatchai Jeeradejatham, Woodland Cycling Narak Café team, 1:36:20; 3rd place, Sergeant Major Panupon Srisang, Lenso.cc team, 1:36:29.
Women’s public category: 1st place, Juthamat Ariyapapon (Independent), 2:04:58; 2nd place, Pornpisan Khongnok, UP’s Energy Gel team, 2:06:03; 3rd place, Raphatporn Jirapiboonkrit, PUM BIKE HOPINN SPECIALIZED LOPBURI team, 2:06:25.
Men’s youth under-18 category: 1st place, Kritphas Homkajorn, Thai national team member for the 2026 Asian Championship, PUM BIKE HOPINN SPECIALIZED LOPBURI team, 1:47:15; 2nd place, Watcharapong Sanghasorn, Thai national team member for the 2026 Asian Championship, Fisherman Friend Wing 46 Phitsanulok team, 1:47:25; 3rd place, Mathieu Messana (Independent), 1:48:14.
Women’s youth under-18 category: 1st place, Kanyapak Sangwai, Triple-s team, 2:08:29; 2nd place, Thitirath Yongyingyuen, Lertsawin New Age Construction Materials Environmentally Conscious team, 2:09:25; 3rd place, Siwaporn Phuttharam, Bangkok Sports School & Roojai team, 2:10:31. Full results are available at www.thaicycling.or.th.
The next event organized by the Cycling Association of Thailand is the National Road and Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Cups, Round 2, from 20-22 February in Phichit Province. Athletes can register on the association’s website www.thaicycling.or.th now until 18 February at 12:00 p.m. or register at the race command center: road category at Bueng Si Fai Birdwatching Tower and mountain bike category at Khao Din viewpoint, Sak Lek District. For details, follow the Cycling Association’s Facebook page or call 0-2719-3340-2 during official hours.