The Cycling Association has gathered a team to analyze the performance of Thai cyclists across all disciplines following the conclusion of the major track event, the 'UCI Track World Cup 2026,' held over two rounds in 2026.
The Cycling Association has assembled a team to analyze the performance of Thai cyclists in all disciplines after the conclusion of the major track cycling event, the 'UCI Track World Cup 2026,' which took place over two rounds. They also compared the capabilities of Asian competitors, aiming to raise performance levels for the 20th Asian Games in Japan and to advance toward securing Olympic qualification for the 2028 Games in the United States.
"Seth Meuk," 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 association has prepared a technical team and coaches to analyze the performances of the Thai national cycling team in preparation for the 20th Asian Games, to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October. The analysis covers all disciplines: road, track, mountain biking, and BMX, in detail to develop increasingly important training and competition strategies. This effort is not only for the Asian Games but also for accumulating points to compete for spots at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
General Decha stated that the team will begin by analyzing results from the track cycling events, which recently concluded their series of three major competitions: the 2026 Asian Track Cycling Championships in the Philippines; the second round of the 2026 UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and the third round in Malaysia. He acknowledged that the performance of the three Thai cyclists—Jai Angsuthasawit, Police Sergeant Major Yeunyong Petchrat, and Staff Sergeant Naraseththada Bunma—who achieved sixth place in the team sprint event in Malaysia last weekend, was the best result so far. This accomplishment improved their world ranking in the team sprint from 19th to 15th as of 28 April. However, in the individual sprint and keirin events, both Jai and Naraseththada have yet to meet their set goals.
"In addition to analyzing the performances of Thai cyclists, this review will also incorporate data from competitors expected at the Asian Games in Japan, including the host nation Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, as well as rapidly developing teams like India and Taiwan. This comprehensive analysis aims to identify weaknesses and enable coaches to design precise training programs for short-distance track cyclists. The outcomes will focus on both the Asian Games objectives and the opportunity to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games, with increasing intensity starting from July 2026 through April 2028," General Decha said.
General Decha added that beyond diagnosing weaknesses and improving training approaches for Thai cyclists, this analytical method will help the association evaluate competition participation to ensure cost-effectiveness. The Cycling Association must utilize its budget to send athletes to competitions—not only for short-distance track events but also for road, mountain bike, and BMX racing disciplines. The three recent events from February through last week's competition in Malaysia alone consumed over 600,000 baht, excluding costs for competition equipment and consumables. Meanwhile, the association continues to bear expenses for sending athletes in other disciplines, each of which is starting to schedule events to accumulate points for the 2028 Olympic qualification.
"Seth Meuk" further stated that the next events will see Thai national cyclists Warut Paekratok and Apisara Srimongkol competing in two consecutive track cycling competitions in Indonesia: the Indonesia Track Cup 1 from 30 April to 2 May, and Indonesia Track Cup 2 from 4 to 6 May. These competitions are part of the mid-distance track cyclists' training camp and competition tour plan.
"Additionally, the association will send short-distance track cyclists Jai Angsuthasawit and Staff Sergeant Naraseththada Bunma to compete for points toward qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games. They will participate in two major events in Japan: the Japan Track Cup 1 on 14-15 May and Japan Track Cup 2 on 15-16 May, competing in keirin and individual sprint events. This will also serve as preparation for the 20th Asian Games and the 34th Southeast Asian Games next year in Malaysia, where a full track cycling program is expected," General Decha concluded.