The international long-distance cycling race Tour of Thailand opened its first stage with 19 teams competing.
The international long-distance cycling competition "Tour of Thailand 2026," featuring cyclists from 11 countries, began its first stage on 24 March. The opening ceremony was honored by Mr. Saransak Srikruenat, Governor of Nong Khai province. "Sergeant Major Muek" highlighted that the participation of many world-class professional teams demonstrates Thailand's capability to organize events meeting the standards of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and gaining international recognition.
"Sergeant Major Muek," General Decha Hemakrasri, 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 international long-distance cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026," competing for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will be held from 24 March to 2 April 2026. The route covers Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, totaling 1,113.70 kilometers. The Cycling Association has registered the event with the UCI as a 2.1 category race, with UCI world ranking points awarded towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
General Decha stated that the "Tour of Thailand 2026" race is organized to honor the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 71st birthday on 2 April 2026. At each stage's opening ceremony, the presiding official will deliver royal well-wishing speeches. Additionally, a royal tribute booth will be set up for the public to sign and express loyalty to the monarchy. The Cycling Association has also planned routes passing significant cultural and natural tourist sites.
"For Stage 1 on 24 March, the route will be within Nong Khai province, starting from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 60th Birthday Commemorative Plaza, passing through Tha Bo district and Hat Kham subdistrict, and finishing in front of the Nong Khai Central Stadium. The distance is 108.60 kilometers. The opening ceremony will begin at 08:00 a.m., chaired by Mr. Saransak Srikruenat, Governor of Nong Khai. The race will be broadcast live via Facebook Live on Thai PBS and on Thai PBS's YouTube channel throughout the competition," General Decha said.
The cycling association president further invited local residents along the race route to wear purple shirts and wave the Thai national flag as well as the royal monogram flag bearing the initials "สธ." (Sath). The association will distribute flags to communities and government offices ahead of the race via publicity vehicles. This is to welcome international cyclists and encourage Thai cyclists from both the professional Thailand Continental Cycling team and the national team, while also honoring Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's birthday on 2 April 2026.
General Decha added that this year, many world-class professional teams are participating, demonstrating Thailand's ability to host events that meet international standards and are recognized worldwide, including management, hospitality, security, and public health. The event complies with UCI standards and has received praise from all parties. Thai cyclists from the Thailand Continental Cycling team and the national team have trained on the actual race routes under the supervision of head coach "Coach Tum" Wisut Kasiapath. He urged athletes not to be complacent and to give their best effort for Thailand's honor.
On the afternoon of 23 March at the Asawan Hotel, a meeting of team managers for the international long-distance cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026" was held. General Decha Hemakrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, presided over the meeting. Australian chief referee Francis Peter Tomlinson, international referee Edward Sung Woo Park from South Korea, and Thai international referee Natthapong Lohitnawi attended to explain the competition's rules and regulations to the 19 participating teams.
The men's team competition consists of six stages from 24 to 29 March, covering routes in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, totaling 816.60 kilometers. Nineteen teams from 11 countries are participating, including UCI Continental professional teams such as Thailand Continental Cycling Team, Grant Thornton Cycling Team, Roojai Insurance Winspec, Terengganu Cycling Team (Malaysia), Li Ning Star (China), Vino North Kazakhstan Region (Kazakhstan), Nusantara Team (Indonesia), St. George Continental (Australia), Seven Eleven Click Roadbike (Philippines), LX Cycling Team (South Korea), KSPO (South Korea), Finch Scon Hengxiang Cycling (China), Quick Pro (Estonia), Shimano Racing (Japan), China Anta-Mentec Cycling (China), Go For Gold (Philippines), along with the national teams of Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.