“Two Wheels” has announced good news for youth cyclists: those who perform outstandingly have a chance to be selected for the Thai national team to compete in the Youth Olympic Games later this year.
“Two Wheels” has informed youth road cyclists aged 15-17 with outstanding skills in the Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Trophy 2026, 4th round, at Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province, from 24-26 April, that the Cycling Association of Thailand will select athletes for the Thai national team to compete in the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Senegal. Meanwhile, local residents of Pong Nam Ron are preparing seasonal fruits such as durian, lychee, and longan to offer for sale to cyclists for consumption and as souvenirs.
General Decha Hemkrasri, Deputy Chairman 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 Cycling Association of Thailand, together with Chanthaburi Province, Pong Nam Ron District, Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, and the Ek Phaniangthong Foundation, will organize the Thailand Road Cycling Championship for the King’s Bhumibol Trophy and the Mountain Bike Championship for the King’s Trophy 2026, 4th round, from 24-26 April 2026. The road race will take place within Pong Nam Ron District, while the mountain bike races will be held at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir, including downhill, cross-country, and eliminator events.
General Decha said that at the 4th round of the Thailand Cycling Championships, the association will consider selecting female youth road cyclists aged 15-17 to represent Thailand in the cycling events at the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Senegal, scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026. Eligible athletes must have been born between 14 November 2008 and 31 December 2009. Currently, about three to four athletes are under consideration. The national team coaches will review standout performers from this 4th round to add to the squad. Afterward, the selected athletes will train alongside the team preparing for the 20th Asian Games in Japan, as there will be less than seven months remaining to prepare.
General Decha added that for the 4th round event, the Cycling Association of Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, will hold a cycling activity called “Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING” on Saturday, 25 April at 3:00 p.m., in front of the Pong Nam Ron District Office. The event will be officially opened by Mr. Monsit Paisanthanawat, Governor of Chanthaburi Province. About 300 cyclists from local clubs in Pong Nam Ron and nearby districts will participate, riding a 5-kilometer route from the district office to the highway police service point and back to the district office finish line.
Mr. Somsak Phaniangthong, Chairman of the Ek Phaniangthong Foundation and Vice President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, said that as a local resident, he thanks the Cycling Association on behalf of the people of Thap Sai Subdistrict and Pong Nam Ron District for hosting the Thailand Cycling Championships in Pong Nam Ron for the 10th consecutive year. According to information from Thap Sai Municipality as the host, preparations have been made in all aspects. He also noted that General Decha Hemkrasri’s policy to select youth athletes for the national team to compete in the Youth Olympic Games 2026 is a great opportunity for cyclists to showcase their skills. The municipality has coordinated with Coach Tum Wisut Kasiyaphat, Deputy Technical Director of the Cycling Association, to plan a beautiful and challenging competition route.
Mr. Somsak added that in April, Pong Nam Ron District offers seasonal fruits such as lychee, durian, and longan for athletes and their entourages to purchase as snacks or souvenirs. In particular, lychee of the Kom Chanthaburi variety is abundant, known for its sweetness, juicy flesh, large size, and delicious taste. The monthong durian from Pong Nam Ron is also famous and highly regarded. Those who enjoy durian can buy fresh fruits either in markets or directly from orchards. Locals and farmers in Pong Nam Ron are ready to provide high-quality agricultural products for cyclists and tourists to buy and take home as renowned specialties of Chanthaburi.
The competition program on Friday, 24 April, includes the road cycling time trial starting at 9:00 a.m. The route begins at the Pong Nam Ron District Office, loops to Wat Nam Khiao, and returns to the district office, covering 9.3 kilometers per lap. The mountain bike downhill event begins at 8:00 a.m. at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir, over a 1.1-kilometer course. Live broadcasts will be available on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, as well as on YouTube: TCA Channel, starting at 9:00 a.m.
On Saturday, 25 April, the mountain bike cross-country race starts at 9:00 a.m. within Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir, covering a 4.3-kilometer lap. In the afternoon, the “Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING” health cycling event begins at 3:00 p.m., following the 5-kilometer route from the Pong Nam Ron District Office to the highway police service point and back. Live broadcasts will be available on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, and on YouTube: TCA Channel, starting at 2:30 p.m.
On Sunday, 26 April, the road cycling road race starts at 8:00 a.m. The route goes from Pong Nam Ron District Office to Deva Pitak Camp, passing Ban Phak Kad Customs Checkpoint, Wat Pa Thep Nimit, Ban Laem Customs Checkpoint, Nong Ta Khong Municipality, Ban Chang Wang, Tamul Intersection, then turns left onto Soi Dao–Chanthaburi Road, passing Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao, before returning to the finish at the district office. Each lap covers 82 kilometers, except for the men’s open category, which adds an extra half lap for a total of 121 kilometers. Additionally, the mountain bike eliminator event starts at 9:00 a.m. at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir over a 700-meter course. Live broadcasts will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, and on YouTube: TCA Channel.
Athletes interested in participating in the 4th round of the Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Championships for the Royal Trophy 2026 at Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province, from 24-26 April, can register via the Cycling Association of Thailand website at www.thaicycling.or.th from now until Wednesday, 22 April before 12:00 noon. On Thursday, 23 April, registration is also available at the competition headquarters in front of Pong Nam Ron District Office from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Further details can be followed on the association’s Facebook page Thailand Cycling Association or by calling 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.