"Gen. Muek" visits China to exchange knowledge, sends track cyclists to train in Tianjin, and advances the Asian Balance Bike program.
The Cycling Association of Thailand is progressing to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese Cycling Association, preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding for comprehensive cycling development. They have sent Asian Games track cyclists to train in Tianjin to adapt to a competition venue matching the Asian Games standard. Meanwhile, the cooperation is expanding to develop the Balance Bike for young children, aiming to build a stronger youth cycling network across Asia.
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 Thailand Cycling Association and the Chinese Cycling Association (CCA) have maintained a good relationship and mutual cooperation for many years. On this occasion, the CCA invited him to visit China from 25 to 30 June. He is scheduled to meet Mr. Sun Wei Min, the newly appointed President of the CCA, on 26 June at the Hilton Hotel in Beijing.
General Decha said this visit to China continues the strong relationship between the sports sectors of Thailand and China. It provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss, exchange knowledge, and sign a cooperation agreement for long-term cycling development. The goal is to elevate the cycling standards of both countries to match other global regions. Additionally, this visit fosters mutual assistance; during the past winter, the CCA sent BMX athletes to train at Kamol Sports Complex in Thailand due to unfavorable weather in China. The BMX track at Kamol is a UCI-certified standard venue. The CCA also sent athletes to compete in the international C1-level competition held in Thailand.
"At the same time, the Cycling Association of Thailand has sent track cyclists preparing for the 20th Asian Games to train on the 250-meter indoor velodrome in Tianjin to familiarize and adjust their techniques for the velodrome to be used in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Thailand's velodrome is 333.33 meters, which differs significantly. The Thai national team will train initially from 19 June to 20 August, then return to compete in the Track Asia Cup 2026 at Huamark Velodrome before resuming training from 1 to 20 September. During my visit to meet CCA executives, I will also visit the athletes to encourage them in their training," General Decha said.
General Decha added that besides sending track cyclists to train in Tianjin, there will be exchanges of assistance in other cycling disciplines, including road, mountain biking, BMX, and Balance Bike for young children. China has many clubs and recently sent athletes to compete in the Asian Balance Bike 2026 Championship Presented by BATAC at Fashion Island Shopping Mall on 6-7 June. Dato Amjeet Singh Gill, ACC President, noted that eight Asian countries participated in the event, marking a good start. He is confident that more member countries will join the competition next year.
"Furthermore, the ACC President confirmed that Thailand is highly prepared to host the competition in 2027, offering convenient transportation, a variety of accommodation options, diverse and affordable food. However, this depends on approval at the ACC Congress 2027 in China next year. If Thailand is honored to host again, it will invite the Chinese Cycling Association to send athletes both as national team representatives and club participants. A large number of athletes are expected to compete," General Decha concluded.