The chief referee praised the Thai Cycling Association for excellently organizing the Tour of Thailand cycling event, highlighting the challenging race routes and strong public cooperation.
Mr. Peter Tomlinson, the international chief referee, praised the "Tour of Thailand 2026" cycling race for its excellent organization in all aspects, meeting the standards of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). He noted the selection of one of the most challenging and beautiful race routes, as well as the strong support from local residents who cheered the athletes along the course. All related agencies also cooperated well, contributing to the event's complete success. Meanwhile, “Sergeant Major Muek” is moving forward with plans to train the Thai national cycling teams for the 20th Asian Games and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, for which the Cycling Association has secured one quota place.
General Decha Hmakrasri, 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 Mr. Peter Tomlinson, an Australian international referee appointed by the UCI as chief referee for the "Tour of Thailand 2026" international road cycling competition held from 24 March to 2 April 2026 in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, summarized after the completion of the nine-stage event for both men's and women's teams that the Cycling Association of Thailand executed the competition excellently in all aspects according to UCI standards.
General Decha stated that Mr. Peter Tomlinson expressed admiration for the route selection, which combined the challenges of road cycling with strong community cooperation along the entire race path. Local residents came out in large numbers to support the international cyclists. Moreover, the route incorporated cultural sites and natural tourist attractions from both provinces, making it one of the most beautiful race courses Mr. Tomlinson has experienced during his duties in Asia.
“In addition, Mr. Peter Tomlinson praised the performance of all sectors involved in the Tour of Thailand, especially in handling unforeseen issues during the race, which are normal occurrences. The Cycling Association of Thailand and related local agencies in each province and district managed to resolve problems efficiently without impacting the race. This contributed to the complete success of the 2026 Tour of Thailand for both the men's and women's categories,” General Decha said.
General Decha added that the performances of the Thai male and female cyclists in the Tour of Thailand 2026 met their set goals. However, it is acknowledged that especially the newer generation of Thai national cyclists lack competition experience, which affects their race tactics and execution. The Cycling Association of Thailand plans to send more young national cyclists to international competitions. Initially, the professional Thailand Continental Cycling Team, which includes key members of the national squad for the 20th Asian Games, will compete in the Tour de Gyeongnam in South Korea from 9 to 13 June 2026. For the women's team, the association is considering which events to enter.
General Decha continued that the training plan for the Thai national road cycling team for the Asian Games was originally set for Chiang Mai province, due to terrain similarity with the actual competition venue in Nagoya, Japan. However, this plan changed because of severe PM 2.5 air pollution in Chiang Mai. Initially, training will take place in Nakhon Nayok and Khao Yai provinces. If air quality improves, a careful reconsideration will be made about returning to Chiang Mai as originally planned.
General Decha added that the Cycling Association received good news from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand that Thai cycling secured one female youth quota for the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Senegal, scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026. The association plans to select 3-4 cyclists for training and will announce the shortlisted athletes after the conclusion of the 4th stage of the 2026 Thailand National Road Cycling Championships in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, from 24 to 26 April. The Youth Olympic cyclists, aged 15-17 (born between 14 November 2008 and 31 December 2009), will train alongside the Asian Games national team up until the Youth Olympic Games.
Additionally, General Decha noted that the 4th stage of the 2026 Thailand National Road Cycling Championships, held from 24 to 26 April in Pong Nam Ron district, will feature road race routes starting from the Pong Nam Ron District Office to Ban Phak Kat Customs Checkpoint, looping through Soi Dao district, and finishing back at the starting point. Mountain biking events, including downhill, cross-country, and eliminator, will be held at the Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir. The cross-country route is the same international C1 standard course previously used, known for its beauty and challenge, with a 4.2-kilometer lap length.
Athletes interested in participating in the 4th stage of the 2026 Thailand National Road and Mountain Bike Championships, held at the Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, from 24 to 26 April 2026, can register on the Cycling Association's website at www.thaicycling.or.th starting immediately until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 22 April. Registration is also available at the race organizing office in front of the Pong Nam Ron District Office on Thursday, 23 April, from 11:00 to 16:00. For more details, follow the Thailand Cycling Association on Facebook or call 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.