“Beez” fights with all her heart to claim the sprint leader title in the two-wheel Women’s Tour of Thailand.
“Beez” Jutatip Maneepan, a cyclist from Thailand Women’s Cycling team, fought with all her heart despite not being fully fit, securing the second sprint point (IS2) in the international women’s road cycling race “Women’s Tour of Thailand 2026” Stage 1. The stage winner was Valeriya Zakarkina from China’s GNC-Finch Girl Power team. “Sergeant Major Muek” expressed satisfaction with the Thai cyclists’ full effort and ordered the coaching staff to devise a new strategy.
The international women’s road cycling race “Women’s Tour of Thailand 2026,” competing for the Royal Cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, runs from 31 March to 2 April 2026 using routes in Nong Khai province totaling 297.10 kilometers. The opening ceremony for Stage 1 took place at the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 60th Birthday Anniversary Celebration Plaza in Nong Khai, presided over by Mr. Suchart Thonmanee, Nong Khai provincial governor, who also launched the race. Attendees included “Sergeant Major Muek” General Decha Hemkrathesri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, and various government officials.
Stage 1 started from the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 60th Birthday Anniversary Plaza, passing through Nong Song Hong, Wat Phra That Bang Phuan, Ban Thon, Tha Bo, Phon Sa Wiang Khuk, and Pako, before finishing in front of the Nong Khai provincial stadium, covering 105.70 kilometers. The awards ceremony was graced by Mr. Suchart Thonmanee, Nong Khai governor, General Decha Hemkrathesri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, and other officials presenting prizes to the athletes.
The race results showed stage winner Valeriya Zakarkina from China’s GNC-Finch Girl Power team finishing in 2:31:46 hours; second place was Qi Ming Zhu from China’s Li Ning Star Lady team with the same time; third was Nguyen Thi That from Vietnam’s national team at 2:32:04 hours. The best-performing Thai cyclist was “Nene” Ms. Rungnapa Kusol of the Thai national team, finishing in 2:32:04 hours.
The Intermediate Sprint (IS) awards went to Nguyen Thi That of Vietnam for IS1, and “Beez” Lieutenant Colonel Jutatip Maneepan of Thailand Women’s Cycling team for IS2. The Most Combative Rider award was given to Qi Ming Zhu of Li Ning Star Lady team.
The overall leader’s yellow jersey went to Valeriya Zakarkina of China’s GNC-Finch Girl Power with a total time of 2:31:36 hours. Nguyen Thi That of Vietnam received the Best ASEAN Rider award, wearing the purple jersey, ranking third overall at 2:31:55 hours. Lieutenant Colonel Jutatip Maneepan of Thailand Women’s Cycling team held fourth place with a total time of 2:32:01 hours. The overall green jersey for sprint points leader was awarded to Qi Ming Zhu. Full race results are available at www.tourofthailand.in.th.
After the race, “Beez” Jutatip said the result exceeded her expectations since the race was very fast-paced and her body was not at full fitness due to training commitments for a commander course, which limited her practice time. However, she trained daily and the whole team performed their best. The competitors from other teams were strong, but their own fitness was insufficient. Given the circumstances, she was satisfied with the outcome. For the remaining two stages, they plan to adjust their strategy and aim to collect all intermediate sprints. If possible, they will try to break away from the main group and most importantly aim to win at least one stage. She asked the Thai people to support and cheer for all the riders as they will do their best.
General Decha said that Jutatip had a commander training course before competing in the BIVAC Tour of Vietnam in early March, which limited her training time, but she still practiced daily at Charoensuk Mongkolchit cycling track. Similarly, Private First Class Phettharin Somraj also had limited training time. Nevertheless, all cyclists remained motivated and fought hard. For the remaining two stages, the coaching staff of Thailand Women’s Cycling and the national team will address weaknesses and plan anew, expecting improved performances. He asked for the encouragement of the Thai people and Nong Khai residents to cheer on both Thai teams.
Stage 2 on 1 April will open at Lan Naka Bek Fa, the Phaya Naga Firework Viewing Point in Phon Phisai district, starting at 08:30 a.m. The ceremony will be presided over by Mr. Paitoon Mahachuenjai, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai. The route runs from Lan Naka Bek Fa to Phon Phisai district, Rattanawapi district, Phao Rai district, back to Phon Phisai district, and finishes at Nong Khai provincial stadium, covering 109.50 kilometers. The event will be broadcast live via Facebook Live and ThaiPBS YouTube channel starting at 08:30 a.m.