"Gen. Muek" is pleased with the positive reception of the Little Riders balance bike race, with parents praising the fair competition format and racecourse design that allows children to perform at their best.
General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association, revealed that changes to the Little Riders balance bike championship—including expanding the running lanes, lengthening the straightaway, and switching to a hydraulic gate start system for greater precision and modernity—have been well received by parents and athletes. Over 500 participants registered for the 4th round at Central Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Parents praised the new course for enabling children to fully utilize their abilities while supporting their physical, concentration, and social development. The Facebook Live and YouTube broadcasts attracted more than 20,000 views.
The 4th round of the Little Riders balance bike championship for the Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for 2026 took place on 2 August 2026 at Korat Hall, 4th floor, Central Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima. The opening ceremony was honored by “Gen. 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 Royal Patronage. He was joined by the association's executive committee and Mr. Naphat Phopu, Customer Experience Development Manager of Central Korat, at the ceremony.
After the opening, General Decha said the Cycling Association has improved the competition format since the first round by surveying parents’ opinions. Regarding awards, the association recognized that some children had never won trophies from 1st to 10th place, so they created honorary trophies for competitors ranked 11th through the last in each category, along with certificates, bouquets, and commemorative medals bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. These are given to all participants to encourage their dedication and effort. Additionally, prize draws were expanded so every competitor receives a prize, with the size of the prize depending on luck.
General Decha added that for the 4th round, the racecourse was adjusted to have wider and longer lanes than in the 3rd round, which pleased parents and athletes. More than 500 competitors registered. Categories with three qualifying heats now include semifinals to fairly select finalists. The association also replaced the electromagnetic gate system with a hydraulic system to increase accuracy at the start and modernize competition standards.
“The 5th and final round at Kamol Sports Park (FBT) in Nong Chok District, Bangkok, will determine the national champion and representatives for Thailand to compete in the 2nd Asian Little Riders balance bike championship next year. I will attend the ACC Management Committee meeting on 6 August at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to present Thailand’s readiness to host the second championship. Member countries in Asia support Thailand hosting again due to its full preparedness and the expected large participation,” said General Decha.
Ms. Kamolwan Laowongpanich, parent of Miss Nagamon Laowongpanich competing in the 3.1-3.6 years girls category, said the 4th round’s course is quite different from the 3rd round, which had many zigzag lines requiring children to decide when to lift their feet entering curves. The 4th round features long straight lanes where children’s endurance determines the outcome. Parents clearly see improvements in their children’s concentration and reduced phone screen time. Children understand their responsibility to practice daily and compete on weekends. Physically, they have become stronger. The balance bike serves as a foundation not only for cycling but for all sports.
Mr. Kitipong Pangkaew, parent of Master Kantapon Pangkaew from the Yak Chiang Mai team, said the 4th round’s wider and longer running lanes allow full speed, though some children with less strength may struggle. Bringing his child to the balance bike races has improved his concentration and strength. He values effort over prizes and feels proud regardless of awards. Importantly, his son avoids screen time, gains new friends, and socializes well. He encourages other parents to bring their children to participate for the many benefits.
The 4th round of the Little Riders balance bike race was broadcast live on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page and the TCA Channel on YouTube, with over 20,000 combined views. Notable results include: Open 3.1-5 years boys—1st Master Navinchar Na Songkhla, 2nd Master Prin Ananta, 3rd Master Kawin Rajchanda; Open 3.1-5 years girls—1st Miss Alita Mueangpia, 2nd Miss Pinyapat Thaiusah, 3rd Miss Natnarinn Boonlong.
Under 2 years boys—1st Master Wachirathorn Sukkij, 2nd Master Kannakan Thanapornmongkol, 3rd Master Puriphat Ruangsri; Under 2 years girls—1st Miss Panyarach Chuetong, 2nd Miss Alavie Sukgree, 3rd Miss Anyarin Chuntal.
Ages 2.1-2.6 years boys—1st Master Nathekanin Wongchai, 2nd Master Tarin Chaiwong, 3rd Master Narubodin Nantiwong; Ages 2.1-2.6 years girls—1st Miss Yosita Ngamlao, 2nd Miss Mira Muangkrung, 3rd Miss Lalichat Thanphokinwarapas.
Ages 2.7-3 years boys—1st Master Rattanawat Phromjaree, 2nd Master Chanattham Kittithamthorn, 3rd Master Kawin Kulprasert; Ages 2.7-3 years girls—1st Miss Napatchanan Patmakulchai, 2nd Miss Anyarin Disattha, 3rd Miss Kirana Kangwanmethavee. Full results are available on the Cycling Association website www.thaicycling.or.th.
The next event organized by the Cycling Association is the 5th round of the Road and Mountain Bike Championship for the Royal Trophy 2026, held at Bhumibol Dam, Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, from 7-9 August. Interested participants can register on the Cycling Association website www.thaicycling.or.th until 5 August at 12:00 noon, or register in person at the competition headquarters at Sicha Pavilion in front of Bhumibol Dam office on 6 August from 13:00 to 17:00. Details are on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page or by calling 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.