“Two Wheels” accelerate personnel development with national coach training to advance to the global stage.
“Two Wheels” continue advancing personnel development according to the strategic plan of the Cycling Association of Thailand by launching the "Basic National Cycling Coach Development and Skill Enhancement Program" from 13 to 17 May in Suphanburi Province. The goal is to elevate Thai cycling coaches so they can impart knowledge and develop Thai cyclists to compete internationally. Twenty coaches from various member clubs are participating in the training.
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 Cycling Association, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Thailand, is conducting its 2026 annual training courses. The first program is the Basic National Cycling Coach Development and Skill Enhancement Program held from 13 to 17 May at Vasisdhi City Hotel in Suphanburi. Twenty representatives from member clubs attend. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has appointed Mr. Robert Herber Jr., a professional American mountain bike coach certified at the highest Level 4, as the instructor for the course.
General Decha stated that this project aligns with the Cycling Association of Thailand’s strategic plan, which focuses not only on athlete excellence but also on developing other personnel concurrently. This includes training coaches, referees—from beginner to international levels—and professional bicycle mechanics. As a result, the association has knowledgeable personnel capable of nurturing Thai cyclists to reach the international level.
Regarding elevating Thai coaches, General Decha explained that the Cycling Association starts by laying a foundation through training new coaches in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Thailand and the UCI. Trainees are primarily selected from member clubs to properly enhance and increase the number of qualified coaches, covering both theoretical and practical cycling methodologies. Coaches who complete the training become key contributors to developing new athletes for the Thai national team, achieving continuous success. Currently, there is a growing number of capable new coaches.
General Decha added that the association has previously sent personnel to attend the UCI's advanced Level 3 coaching course at the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland. Five association coaches have passed this course: “Coach Tum” Lt. Col. Wisut Kasiyaphat, “Coach Bas” Lt. Col. Phungchong Saiudomsilp, “Coach Bee” Capt. Jutatip Maneepan, and “Coach Nop” Police Lt. Adisak Wansri, as well as “TJ” Jai Angsuthasawit, a Thai national cyclist who trained at the WCC for six years. They earned Level 3 coaching certification and also trained as bicycle mechanics, providing the association with capable personnel to develop Thai cyclists internationally. All five received UCI licenses allowing them to coach worldwide.
General Decha concluded that the Cycling Association continually advances personnel development by organizing multiple annual courses covering road, track, mountain bike, and BMX coaching, as well as referee development. The association receives strong support from the UCI, which regularly sends instructors to conduct training for National Commissaire and Elite National Commissaire referee levels. Recently, Mr. Khattiya Srisoda, a BMX cycling referee, passed the UCI international referee theory exam and is preparing for the practical exam in June. Upon passing, he will become another licensed international BMX referee. Currently, Mr. Natthapong Lohitnavi serves as an international referee for road and track cycling.