“Beez” vows to give her all to defend her title in the Women's Tour of Thailand cycling race.
“Beez” Jutatip Maneepan is ready to fight hard to defend her championship in the international women's long-distance cycling race, the Women’s Tour of Thailand 2026, but remains cautious of key rival “Nguyen Thi That,” the perennial Vietnamese contender. Meanwhile, “Seth Muek” encouraged all Thai female cyclists to give their best to bring honor to Thailand. Australian chief referee Peter Francis Tomlinson praised the men's race route for its variety, including flat and uphill sections, and its beautiful scenery.
“Seth Muek,” 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, revealed that the recently concluded men's international long-distance cycling race, Tour of Thailand 2026, held from 24-29 March, was a success with no serious accidents or problems. Foreign cyclists praised Thailand's excellent hospitality, good hotel accommodations, and food. Importantly, local residents from Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces came out to welcome and cheer the athletes along the route, leaving a strong impression on the international participants.
General Decha said the event's success was due to cooperation and support from the governors of both provinces—Mr. Saransak Srikhruanetr of Nong Khai and Mr. Rachan Zunhua of Udon Thani—as well as their deputy governors, relevant government agencies including police, health officials, military units, local administrative organizations, and rescue volunteers, who all worked together until the event concluded smoothly and successfully.
“Seth Muek” added that the international women's long-distance cycling race, Women’s Tour of Thailand 2026, will take place from 31 March to 2 April on routes in Nong Khai province. On the afternoon of 30 March, a team managers' meeting was held to explain rules to the 19 participating teams. Thailand fields two teams: Thailand Women’s Cycling led by “Beez” Lt. Jutatip Maneepan, joined by “Jan” Capt. Janpeng Nontasin, “Prae” Sgt. Phetdarin Somrat, “Kai” Sgt. Supakorn Nantana, and “Beam” Sgt. Chaniporn Batriya; and the Thailand national team led by “Tan” Ms. Kamonrada Khawplod, alongside “Nene” Ms. Rungnapa Kusol, “Fern” Ms. Pittayaporn Saetan, “Ping” Ms. Natcha Songken, and “Face” Ms. Pinpak Chiangsuang.
General Decha added that last year “Beez” Jutatip won the championship and the royal trophy, but this year she has had less training time due to officer training commitments. The Thai women's team faces strong opponents including China's Li Ning Star team, Vietnamese rival Nguyen Thi That, as well as athletes from Kazakhstan and other teams. It is a tough competition, but the Thai cyclists will give their all. He encouraged all Thai athletes to perform their best to bring honor to Thailand, while also urging the public to support and cheer the female cyclists. Nong Khai residents are invited to cheer along the route to add excitement and leave a lasting impression on the athletes.
Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Francis Tomlinson, the Australian chief referee, said the men's international long-distance cycling race, Tour of Thailand, was overall very satisfying, especially the race route offering a full range of challenges including flat sections and uphill climbs. Stage 3, finishing on the mountain (Phu Phloi Lom), was particularly demanding for the athletes. The terrain is also very scenic, making it an excellent competition.
“Beez,” Lt. Jutatip Maneepan, said this year’s race route is not very demanding, mostly flat but with some intermediate sprint points (IS) that include slight climbs. The finish line sprint will be the same straight line for all three stages. She said her physical condition is not yet at 100% and training time has been limited, but she will do her best to win each stage and collect every IS point. She will not underestimate opponents, as all teams are strong and fast. Many have competed before in the Biwase Tour of Vietnam, including the strong Li Ning Star Ladies team from China.
Jutatip added that all Thai cyclists from both Thailand Women’s Cycling and the national team will fight with determination and do their best, whatever happens. The Vietnamese team is also strong this year, led by Nguyen Thi That, a very powerful rider who, although a bit less explosive recently, cannot be underestimated. Nguyen is likely using this race to prepare for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, this September. For Jutatip, as last year’s champion, she does not feel pressured but aims to retain her title. She asked for support and encouragement from all Thai people for both women's teams.
The women’s team event covers 3 stages from 31 March to 2 April in Nong Khai province, totaling 297.10 kilometers. Nineteen teams from 12 countries participate, including two Thai teams: Thailand Women’s Cycling and the Thailand national team. Other teams are from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Laos, and Kazakhstan. Also competing are Bodywrap L2 Women’s, a UCI team from China, and prominent club teams from various countries including Kedah Lokka (Malaysia), Sangju Cycling (South Korea), Bikewheel.com (Australia), Standard Insurance (Philippines), XSKT Dong Thap (Vietnam), XDS China (China), GRC Valky (China), Pardus (China), and GNC-Fing Girl Power (China).
The stage 1 program on 31 March starts with an opening ceremony at 08:30 at the Chalerm Phra Kiat 60th Birthday Anniversary Plaza in Nong Khai. The ceremony will be presided over by Mr. Kittisak Theerawatana, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai. The race route begins at the plaza, passing Nong Song Hong, Wat Phra That Bang Phuan, Ban Thon, Tha Bo, Phon Sa Wiang Khuk, Pa Kho, and finishing at the Nong Khai Provincial Central Stadium, covering 105.70 kilometers. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube ThaiPBS starting at 08:30.