Cyclists from all over Thailand are flocking to Pong Nam Ron District to compete in the 4th round of the Thailand National Cycling Championship. Talented young female cyclists have the opportunity to join the national team.
Cyclists from across the country are gathering to compete in the 4th round of the Thailand National Cycling Championship for road cycling and mountain biking, competing for the Royal Cup in 2026, held from 24-26 April in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi. "Sergeant Major Muek" emphasized that female youth road cyclists aged 15-17 who perform well may be selected for the Thai national team to compete at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal this October-November. Meanwhile, local residents of Pong Nam Ron District are preparing to sell fruits such as durian, langsat, Marian plum, and lychee to cyclists at affordable prices. Hotels are fully booked, clearly boosting the district's economy.
"Sergeant Major 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 the Royal Patronage, revealed that the Cycling Association of Thailand, in collaboration with Chanthaburi Province, Pong Nam Ron District, Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, and the Ek Phaniangthong Foundation, is organizing the 4th round of the Thailand National Road Cycling Championship competing for the "King Bhumibol" Royal Cup and the mountain biking championship competing for the Royal Cup of His Majesty the King for 2026. The road race uses routes within Pong Nam Ron District, while mountain biking events, including downhill, cross-country, and eliminator races, take place at the Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir.
General Decha stated that for the 4th round, over 600 cyclists from across the country have already registered, making the atmosphere in Pong Nam Ron District especially lively. Many cyclists arrived early for training along with at least 1,000 accompanying people, causing all hotels to be fully booked, including accommodations in nearby Soi Dao District. Shops and restaurants are also seeing heavy patronage from cyclists and their supporters. Local fruit farms in Chanthaburi, currently producing durian, langsat, Marian plum, and lychee, have brought products to sell at affordable prices. Vendors are experiencing good sales and increased income, clearly improving Pong Nam Ron’s economy.
General Decha added that the Cycling Association of Thailand will consider selecting female youth road cyclists aged 15-17 to represent the national team at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November 2026. Eligible athletes must be born between 14 November 2008 and 31 December 2009. Currently, about 3-4 athletes are under consideration. National team coaches will review outstanding performances from the 4th round. He urged eligible cyclists to prepare their physical condition thoroughly.
Sergeant Major Muek further explained that during this event, the Cycling Association of Thailand, together with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, will host the “Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING” health ride on Saturday, 25 April at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Pong Nam Ron District Office. Chanthaburi Governor Monsit Paisalthanawat will preside over the opening ceremony. Approximately 300 cyclists from local clubs in Pong Nam Ron and nearby districts will participate, riding a 5-kilometer route from the district office to a turnaround point at the Highway Police service area and back to the district office.
General Decha disclosed that all participants in the “Bike for Life” event will receive a certificate, a T-shirt, and a commemorative water bottle. Reflective flashing lights and signs stating “Drive Safely, Care for Fellow Travelers” will be distributed to cyclists to attach under their bicycle seats to help reduce accidents. There will also be exhibitions on safe cycling practices and a free bicycle repair clinic where the public can bring old bikes for repairs, promoting cost savings in line with King Rama IX’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Competitions for beautifully decorated bikes and antique bicycles will be held, along with awards for the oldest and youngest male and female cyclists. Additionally, there will be an exhibition campaigning against e-cigarette smoking, highlighting its health dangers comparable to traditional cigarettes.
Meanwhile, the Cycling Association of Thailand, in cooperation with Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality and ThaiHealth, organized assistant referee training and safe cycling workshops on 23 April at the Thap Sai Municipality conference room. Ms. Phumarin Phetchamli, Senior District Officer of Pong Nam Ron, chaired the ceremony, joined by Mr. Wanchai Kasornsuwan, Deputy Mayor of Thap Sai, and Mr. Nisit Salakham, District Officer of Pong Nam Ron. International referee Mr. Khattiya Srisoda served as the instructor. Those who complete the training will receive certificates qualifying them to serve as assistant referees in the Thailand National Cycling Championships or as referees in Chanthaburi Province and nearby provinces. They are also eligible for advanced training annually offered by the Cycling Association.
The competition schedule for Friday, 24 April, includes a road cycling time trial starting at 9:00 a.m., running from the Pong Nam Ron District Office to a turnaround point in front of Wat Nam Khiao and back to the district office, covering a 9.3-kilometer loop. Mountain biking downhill events at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir begin at 8:00 a.m. over a 1.1-kilometer course. The events will be livestreamed on Facebook Live via Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, as well as on YouTube: TCA Channel starting at 9:00 a.m.