Lopburi is ready to take over from Phichit province as the host of the 3rd round of the 2026 Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Cycling Championships for the Royal Cup, held from 6-8 March 2026.
On 21 February 2026, Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, accepted the hosting duties from Phichit province for the 3rd round of the 2026 Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Cycling Championships for the Royal Cup, taking place from 6-8 March 2026 at Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality. Surasak Jermsombat, Mayor of Khao Phraya Den Thong, revealed that challenging and scenic race routes have been prepared, promising cyclists will be impressed. Meanwhile, in the mountain bike cross-country competition, Thai national team cyclists preparing for the 20th Asian Games—Phonchat Nakthongkham, Pongpira Pongayukul, and Phumrat Chalermkit—delivered excellent performances and won the championship.
The 2nd round of the 2026 Thailand Road Cycling Championships for the King Bhumibol Royal Cup and the Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Cup was held from 20-22 February 2026 in Phichit province. The mountain bike opening ceremony on 21 February at Khao Din Viewpoint, Wang Thap Sai Subdistrict, Sak Lek District, was chaired by Thanit Phumthaworn, Deputy Governor of Phichit. Also present were 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 Lieutenant Commander Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, who joined the ceremony.
The ceremony also welcomed Khem Kongsinchai, District Chief of Sak Lek; Ms. Asmaporn Suelek, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Phichit; Kasem Puprasert, Mayor of Sak Lek Municipality; Niran Kulteht, Chief Executive of Wang Thap Sai Subdistrict Administrative Organization; Panawat Srimaduea, Village Headman of Wang Thap Sai; Sukontharos Julakarawee, Village Head of Village No.1; along with other government officials and community leaders. Many cyclists from across the country traveled to compete.
At the same time, there was a ceremonial handover of the symbolic host flag for the Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Cycling Championships Royal Cup to Lopburi province, which will host the 3rd round. Lieutenant Commander Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, represented the province to receive the symbolic flag. Lopburi will hold the competition from 6-8 March at Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality, Phatthana Nikhom District.
General Decha stated that the Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Cycling Championships Royal Cup consists of five rounds annually, including the "Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING" health cycling event. For each round, the Cycling Association has been developing new talent to supplement the national cycling team, many of whose members are aging. The association aims to nurture athletes in youth, junior, and under-23 categories, such as Thanapat Sakultra, who progressed from youth level to under-23 national team, competing well in the 2026 Asian Road Cycling Championships in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, female under-23 athlete Pityaporn Saetan has also performed well.
"General Decha" added that the mountain bike competition atmosphere at Wang Thap Sai Subdistrict was very lively, with many cyclists from across the country attending. Notably, Sak Lek District is Thailand’s largest producer of Nam Dok Mai mangoes and also grows Fah Lan and Mayong Chid varieties. Cyclists and their supporters could purchase these as souvenirs, helping generate income for the community. The "Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING" event had over 300 local registrants. Additionally, the Cycling Association is aware of the dangers of electronic cigarettes spreading among youth, with risks comparable to traditional cigarettes, so they organized an anti-vaping exhibition alongside the competition.
Lieutenant Commander Songphon Paenkaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, expressed readiness for hosting the 3rd round, highlighting the province’s preparedness in all aspects, including race venues, accommodations, and dining. The health cycling activity has attracted strong local interest. The weather in Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality is clear, and the area offers many beautiful tourist attractions such as Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, Phra Prang Sam Yot, Khao Wong Phrachan, and Pasak Cholasit Dam. He noted this is a great opportunity for local businesses to boost income and invited all visitors to join the competition and explore Lopburi.
Mayor Surasak Jermsombat of Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality stated that the race venues are prepared, with the road race route passing Pasak Cholasit Dam and other scenic spots. The mountain bike downhill event will start from the top of Khao Phraya Den Thong, descending through forest terrain with challenging obstacles testing the athletes’ skills. Traffic and security plans have been thoroughly arranged for the athletes. The health cycling activity invites Lopburi residents to participate on Saturday, 7 March, at Khao Phraya Den Thong Municipality. So far, 200-300 people have registered.
Results of the notable mountain bike cross-country category: Men's Open (22.80 km) 1st place: Phonchat Nakthongkham, Thai national team preparing for the 20th Asian Games, Air Force Cycling Team KOM-KOM, with a time of 1:29:05; 2nd: Pongpira Pongayukul, same team, Club Ma Mui Nakhon Sawan, 1:30:08; 3rd: Sergeant Major Punsiri Sirimongkol, Ministry of Defence Office Team, 1:33:46.
Men’s Under-23 (22.80 km): 1st: Pongpira Pongayukul, Club Ma Mui Nakhon Sawan, 1:30:08; 2nd: Kamolthacha Introng, Air Force Cycling Team KOM-KOM, 1:48:24; 3rd: Putt Andreas Supawongwatthana, Lomocycle Core Nutrition Team (-2 laps).
Women’s Open (15.20 km): 1st: Warintorn Phetprapan, Lenso Cycling Team, 1:14:42; 2nd: Pornpak Propthang, Chiang Khan MTB 28 Team, 1:22:08; 3rd: Pinpak Chiang Suan, Royal Thai Navy Core Cycling Team, 1:30:54.
Women’s Under-23 (15.20 km): 1st: Pornpak Propthang, Chiang Khan MTB 28 Team, 1:22:08; 2nd: Pinpak Chiang Suan, Royal Thai Navy Core Cycling Team, 1:30:54.
Girls’ Youth (11.4 km): 1st: Phumrat Chalermkit, Thai national team preparing for the 20th Asian Games, Fisherman Friend Wat Dong Noi Team, 1:08:06; 2nd: Playfa Kotosi, BIKENET Team, 1:15:42. Complete results are available on the Cycling Association of Thailand’s website www.thaicycling.or.th.
On the same afternoon, the "Bike for Life - TCA GREEN CYCLING" health cycling event was held at the Bird Watching Tower inside Bueng Si Fai lake. This was a collaboration between the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Cycling Association of Thailand, Phichit province, and the Phichit Provincial Administrative Organization. The ceremony was presided over by Krit Pensupa, President of the Phichit Provincial Administrative Organization, with General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, Thanit Phumthaworn, Deputy Governor of Phichit, and Singharat Wongsengiam, Deputy President of Phichit Provincial Administrative Organization, among other officials attending. The route was a 10.28 km circuit at Saranchit Mongkonsuk Cycling Stadium, with nearly 500 cyclists from local clubs participating.
The "Bike for Life - TCA GREEN CYCLING" event is a green sports initiative emphasizing environmental protection, pollution reduction, and combating global warming, supporting government policies by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The Cycling Association also hosted an exhibition on safe cycling practices, distributing flashing lights and reflective "Drive Safely, Care for Fellow Travelers" stickers to participants to attach under bicycle seats to reduce accidents. Furthermore, the Cycling Association and ThaiHealth jointly campaigned against electronic cigarette use, raising awareness among cyclists about the harms and dangers of vaping.
Simultaneously, the Cycling Association operated a free bike repair clinic, allowing the public to fix old bicycles to extend their usability, promoting cost savings in line with King Rama IX’s “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.” The event also featured contests for creatively decorated economical bicycles, vintage bicycle exhibitions, and awards for the oldest and youngest participants, both male and female.
The oldest male cyclist was Sawang Sudsawang, 84 years old, who received a trophy from General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand. The oldest female cyclist was Sunee Pongphatthanasin, 74, awarded a trophy from Major General Phusit Fuangfoo, Vice President of the Cycling Association. The youngest male cyclist was Achita Kitsuwan, 7 years old, who received a trophy from Somsak Paniengthong, Vice President of the Cycling Association. The youngest female cyclist was Angsumalin Kitsuwan, 5 years old, awarded a trophy from Navy Captain Thitporn Noyrak, Secretary-General of the Cycling Association.
In the bicycle decoration contest for economical designs, the winner was Sunisa Sinpakpong, who received a trophy from General Decha Hemkrasri. Second place went to Pornchit Somkhian, awarded by Vice President Ekachai Sewatsompop. In the vintage bicycle contest, the winner was Suthep Saeing, awarded by General Decha Hemkrasri, and second place went to Ancharee Putphon, awarded by Vice President Weerakool Thongma.
The program for Sunday, 22 February included the road race starting at 08:00 at Saranchit Mongkonsuk Cycling Stadium inside Bueng Si Fai Chalerm Phra Kiat Lake. The course was a 10.28 km circuit. The opening ceremony at 07:30 was chaired by Krit Pensupa, President of the Phichit Provincial Administrative Organization, and broadcast live on the Thailand Cycling Association's Facebook and YouTube channels from 07:30. Additionally, the mountain bike eliminator race was held at Khao Din Viewpoint, Wang Thap Sai Subdistrict, Sak Lek District, over a 630-meter course starting at 10:00 onward.