Athit wins Best ASEAN in Stage 2, setting his sights on Asian Games gold.
Athit Pulard, a Thai national cyclist preparing for the 20th Asian Games and member of the Rujira Insurance Winspeed team, delivered an excellent performance to claim the “Best ASEAN” award, earning the purple jersey in Stage 2 of the international road cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026." Athit aims to win a medal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. Meanwhile, the stage champion was Pierre Barbier, a French cyclist from Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team, who also retained the overall lead to keep the yellow jersey.
The international road cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026," competing for the royal trophy granted by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, took place from 24 March to 2 April 2026. The route covered Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, totaling 1,113.70 kilometers. The opening ceremony for Stage 2 was held on 25 March at Lan Na Kha Boek Fa, the Phaya Naga Fireball viewing point in Phon Phisai District. The event was presided over by Mr. Paitoon Mahachuenjai, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai, with Gen. 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 the Royal Patronage, along with other senior officials, attending the ceremony.
In Stage 2, covering 150.20 kilometers from Lan Na Kha Boek Fa, Phaya Naga Fireball viewpoint, Wat Thai in Phon Phisai District, through Rattanawapi, Fao Rai, back to Phon Phisai, and finishing at the Nong Khai provincial stadium, the stage champion was again Pierre Barbier of France from Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team, after winning Stage 1 as well. Alexander Salby of Denmark from China’s Li-Ning Star team took second place, and Athit Pulard from Thailand’s Rujira Insurance Winspeed team placed third, all sharing a time of 3:19:58.
Pierre Barbier retains the overall lead with a total time of 5:40:10, continuing to wear the yellow jersey, and also earned the green jersey as the leader in the sprint points classification. Athit Pulard moved up to fourth place overall with a time of 5:40:26 and secured the Best ASEAN cyclist award, earning the purple jersey. Meanwhile, "Matum" Pilot Officer Peerapol Chaochiangkwang of the Thailand Continental Cycling Team dropped from fifth to seventh place with a total time of 5:40:27. The Intermediate Sprints (IS1 and IS2) in Stage 2 were won by Kim Yuro from South Korea’s LX Cycling team. The Most Combative Rider award went to Park Ji-hwan from South Korea’s KSPO team. Full results are available at www.tourofthailand.in.th.
Gen. Decha commented that the overall results after two stages were satisfactory, with no serious accidents. In Stage 2, Athit Pulard of Thailand’s national team preparing for the 20th Asian Games won the Best ASEAN award. The points Athit earned contribute to Thailand’s ranking and affect qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Stage 3 will feature a mountain finish at Phu Phloi Lom in Udon Thani Province. Thai national team head coach Wisut Kasiapath expressed confidence that the Thai cyclists will perform well, having trained extensively on the route. However, strong competitors such as China’s Li-Ning Star, South Korea’s LX team, and Malaysia’s Terengganu team remain formidable. Gen. Decha advised coach Wisut not to underestimate the competition.
Gen. Decha also praised the technical team for designing a beautiful race route passing through rubber plantations. The people of Phon Phisai District warmly welcomed the athletes along the route. He thanked Mr. Sarunsak Srikruenat, Governor of Nong Khai, along with Deputy Governors Mr. Paitoon Mahachuenjai and Mr. Jamluk Kanphet, for coordinating excellent cooperation from agencies across all nine districts. The traffic management and athlete hospitality were well handled, impressing all the cyclists. If the international chief referee’s assessment aligns with these observations, Thailand will receive top scores.
Athit Pulard of the Thai national team and Rujira Insurance Winspeed said he feels proud and satisfied with his performance in the first two stages. He intends to give his best in the remaining races. He acknowledged that strong opponents come from China’s Li-Ning Star and Malaysia’s Terengganu teams. Looking ahead to the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, this September, he recognizes it as a challenging event and is committed to doing his best to win a gold medal.
Stage 3 on 26 March will start with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the cultural square in front of Wat Lamduan, presided over by Mr. Jamluk Kanphet, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai. The route runs from the cultural square at Wat Lamduan to Ban Nam Suai, Sakhrai District, then into Udon Thani Province through Ban Phue and Kut Chap Districts, passing Huai Luang Dam, Nong Wua So District, Ban Phasing, and finishing at Phu Phloi Lom in Nong Saeng District, Udon Thani Province. The 141.60-kilometer race will be broadcast live via Facebook Live and YouTube on ThaiPBS, starting at 8:30 a.m.