Athit remains impressive by winning the Best ASEAN award in Stage 3 and continues to wear the purple jersey in the Tour of Thailand.
Athit Pulard, a Thai national cyclist, delivered an outstanding performance by winning the Best ASEAN award once again in the two-wheel race "Tour of Thailand 2026" Stage 3, continuing to wear the "purple jersey." Meanwhile, the stage champion was Vadim Pronski, a Kazakh cyclist from the Terengganu Cycling Team, who also took the overall lead to wear the "yellow jersey." Udonthani Governor Rachan Sunhua expressed joy that the people of Udonthani province participated in this major event, which also serves as a great opportunity to promote local tourist attractions to the world.
The international long-distance cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026," competing for the Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, took place from 24 March to 2 April 2026. The route passed through Nong Khai and Udonthani provinces, covering a total distance of 1,113.70 kilometers. The opening ceremony for Stage 3 was held on 26 March at the Cultural Plaza in front of Wat Lamduan, chaired by Saransak Srikruanet, Governor of Nong Khai Province. The event was attended by General Decha Hemkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, and other senior officials.
Stage 3 started from the Cultural Plaza in front of Wat Lamduan, passing Ban Namsuay, Sakhrai District, entering Udonthani Province, Ban Phue District, Kut Chap District, passing Huai Luang Dam, Nong Wua So District, Ban Phasingh, and finishing at Phu Phloi Lom, Nong Saeng District, Udonthani Province, covering 141.60 kilometers. The award ceremony was honored by Udonthani Governor Rachan Sunhua, General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, Ms. Jurairat Puangsi, Head of Phu Phloi Lom Ecotourism Project, and other officials who presented awards to the athletes.
The results showed that the Stage 3 champion was Vadim Pronski, a Kazakh cyclist from Malaysia's Terengganu Cycling Team, with a time of 3:16:13 hours. Second place went to Eduardo Sepulveda, an Argentine cyclist from China's Li Ning Star team, with the same time of 3:16:13 hours. Third place was Daniel Whitehouse from the United Kingdom, representing St. George Continental Cycling Team, with a time of 3:16:16 hours. Thai national team cyclist Athit Pulard, part of the 20th Asian Games preparation squad from the Roojai Insurance Winspec team, finished 9th with a time of 3:16:46 hours. Sergeant Sarawut Siriranchai, another Thai national cyclist, placed 14th with 3:17:16 hours.
The Intermediate Sprints (IS) awards went to Warrant Officer Vorut Paekratok from the Thailand Continental Cycling Team at IS1, and Oscar Nisu, an Estonian cyclist from China's China Anti-Mentec Cycling Team at IS2. The King of Mountain (KOM) awards were claimed by Lindon Milostik of St. George Continental Cycling Team at KOM1, and Vadim Pronski of Terengganu Cycling Team at KOM2. The Most Combative Rider award was also given to Lindon Milostik.
The overall time leader changed to Vadim Pronski of Kazakhstan from the Terengganu Cycling Team, with a total time of 8:56:33 hours, earning the "yellow jersey." Athit Pulard retained the Best ASEAN rider award, continuing to wear the "purple jersey," holding 7th place overall with a time of 8:57:12 hours. Sergeant Sarawut Siriranchai ranked 14th with a total time of 8:57:46 hours. The leader of the overall points for the sprint classification was Pierre Barbier, a French cyclist from Malaysia's Terengganu Cycling Team, who donned the "green jersey." Full results are available at www.tourofthailand.in.th.
Udonthani Governor Rachan Sunhua said that Udonthani province was honored by the Cycling Association of Thailand to be part of hosting the international long-distance cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026" in celebration of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. All districts along the race route cooperated well, especially in welcoming international athletes, traffic management, and safety measures. Everyone participated willingly. The people of Udonthani are very pleased and proud to be part of such a significant event. Having international cyclists finish at Phu Phloi Lom is a great chance to promote its beauty and attractions worldwide.
General Decha said that after three stages, Thai national team cyclists, including Wing Commander Peeraphon Chaochiangkwang and Athit Pulard, both preparing for the 20th Asian Games, have earned the Best ASEAN rider awards, which is very gratifying. However, the stage champions remain from professional teams like Li Ning Star and Terengganu, and they should not be underestimated. These teams compete in many European races, as do the Thai teams, because training without competition offers no benefit and no experience. Serious training is essential. The men's team event still has three stages remaining, and the women's team event has three stages. He invited the people of Nong Khai, Udonthani, and nearby provinces to come watch, cheer, and support the athletes enthusiastically.
General Decha also thanked the people of Udonthani for warmly welcoming hundreds of athletes. Stage 3 finished at the beautiful Phu Phloi Lom, which was broadcast live on Facebook Live and the Thai PBS YouTube channel. This promoted tourism in both Udonthani and Nong Khai provinces globally. Most importantly, the event honored Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 71st birthday on 2 April 2026. People from both provinces showed loyalty and participated actively. He thanked all agencies in Nong Khai and Udonthani provinces for their excellent cooperation.
The Stage 4 race on 27 March will have its opening ceremony at 08:30 at the Cultural Plaza in front of Wat Lamduan, chaired by Kittisak Theerawatana, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai Province, who will also start the race. The route will run from the Cultural Plaza, past Tha Bo District, Tharnthip Waterfall, entering Ban Phue District in Udonthani, then Pho Tak District and Si Chiang Mai District, finishing in front of Tha Bo District Office, covering 154.20 kilometers. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook Live and Thai PBS YouTube from 08:30 onwards.