Methasit and Wiphawee teamed up to win two gold medals in mountain bike downhill, achieving their targeted performance.

The cycling team started strong as Methasit Boonsaneh and Wiphawee Dechabales delivered outstanding performances, clinching two gold medals in men's and women's mountain bike downhill respectively, along with a bronze from Kanokrat Ritdech. General Decha Hemkrasri expressed pride that the athletes met their goals and assured full support behind the scenes to help them succeed and bring honor to Thailand.

The 33rd SEA Games cycling competition began with two gold medals contested in men's and women's mountain bike downhill on 10 December at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi Province. The event was honored by Dato' Amarjit Singh Gill, President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), alongside General Decha Hemkrasri, ACC Vice President, ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF) President, and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, as well as Narongwit Chodchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, with many cycling fans in attendance.

In the men's downhill, 'Base' Asst. Sgt. Methasit Boonsaneh, four-time Asian champion, did not disappoint Thai fans by finishing first with a time of 2:37.856 minutes, securing the gold as expected. Silver went to Randy Varela Sangiaya of Indonesia at 2:38.714 minutes, and bronze to John Derick Far of the Philippines at 2:43.676 minutes. This was Methasit's third SEA Games appearance, winning gold each time: men's downhill gold at SEA Games 31 in Vietnam, eliminator gold at SEA Games 32 in Cambodia, and now his second downhill gold.

In the women's downhill, 'Petch' Staff Sgt. Wiphawee Dechabales, nine-time Asian champion, also excelled by taking first place with a time of 3:03.299 minutes. Silver went to Risqa Amilia Agustina of Indonesia with 3:04.874 minutes, and bronze to newcomer Kanokrat Ritdech. Wiphawee previously won women's downhill gold at SEA Games 27 in Myanmar. Overall, Thailand's cycling team secured two golds and one bronze on the first day, with one more gold medal event—the men's eliminator—scheduled for 11 December starting at 09:00.

After the event, General Decha said the results met the target of two gold medals. He thanked the athletes and coaching staff for nearly a year of dedicated training leading to this success. The athletes gave their all, showing the heart of lions. He sees himself as a supporter, providing encouragement and covering expenses such as allowances, accommodation, meals, and equipment to boost morale. After the qualifying rounds, he asked Methasit and Wiphawee, who both confirmed they aimed to win gold to bring honor to the Cycling Association and Thailand—and they succeeded, along with Kanokrat winning bronze in her SEA Games debut.

General Decha added that the Cycling Association integrates sports science in all areas, led by Major General Dr. Phusit Fuangfoo, the association's medical vice president, who heads the sports science team supporting all athletes. Physiotherapists also help injured cyclists recover faster. He praised the Thai national cycling team’s discipline and commitment to training, which led to meeting their goals. The association is ready to support the athletes fully to continue bringing honor to Thailand. After SEA Games, the mountain bike team will prepare for the major "UCI Mountain Bike World Cup" in South Korea from 1-3 May 2026.

'Base' Methasit said he was very happy to win gold, especially as Thailand is the host country. He dedicated the gold medal to all Thai people. He fought with full effort today and plans to perform his best in upcoming competitions, aiming to win medals in every event.

'Petch' Wiphawee thanked all Thai supporters for their strong encouragement and expressed gratitude to General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand. She said she succeeded in winning gold thanks to the full support from the president in accommodation, meals, allowances, equipment, and bike parts—nothing was lacking. If trusted to continue representing the nation, she will fight with all her heart despite aging and reduced physical strength, sustained by an unyielding spirit for the Thai people.

Staff Sgt. Seri Ruangsiri, head coach of Thailand’s national mountain bike team, said today's competition met the goal set by General Decha Hemkrasri of two gold medals plus an extra bronze. He noted the clear improvement of Thai athletes, especially young riders competing closely with seniors. He thanked all supporters behind the scenes, including General Decha Hemkrasri for full support, Khao Kheow Open Zoo for providing the venue, and private sectors for helping complete a beautiful course.

The mountain bike cycling schedule at the 33rd SEA Games at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi Province continues on 11 December with one gold medal event in the men's eliminator, from 09:00 to 10:30.

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