“Atit,” a Thai-French cyclist, aims to win the Asian road cycling championship.
More than one hundred Thai cyclists are ready to compete in the 2026 Asian Road Cycling Championship in Saudi Arabia. “Sergeant Major Muek” gave encouragement, urging everyone to do their best for Thailand's honor. Meanwhile, “Atit Pollard,” a Thai-French cyclist selected for the Thai national team for the first time, hopes to win the Asian championship as a gift to the Thai people.
“Sergeant Major Muek,” General Decha Hengkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, gave a pep talk to the Thai national athletes before they departed to compete in the 2026 Asian Road Cycling Championship from 5-11 February in Saudi Arabia. The team is led by coach Major Phuchong Saiaudomsil and Chinese coach Mr. Li Xiao Le at the Thai Cycling Honor Room, Cycling Association of Thailand, on 3 February.
General Decha said he advised the Thai national athletes to do their best but without pressure, encouraging them to compete as they do in training. He received information from coach Major Phuchong Saiaudomsil that the team’s medal prospects mainly come from Mr. Atit or Baptiste Pollard, the Thai-French cyclist, who is expected to win a medal in the time trial and road race events. There is also hope from “Phandin” Mr. Thanapat Sakultra in the under-23 men's category, and the mixed team time trial relay for youth, which won bronze last year. Additionally, the masters category, which earned several gold medals at the 2024 Asian Championship held at Saranchit Mongkolsuk Cycling Track (Bueng Sifai) in Phichit province, is also promising.
General Decha added that although the training camp period was short, they held the first round of the Thailand Championship in Thong Pha Phum district as a warm-up. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, athletes will take one to two days to adjust to the weather, which is currently cold but sunny during the day, and the time is four hours behind Thailand. He encouraged all cyclists and said after the 2025 Asian Championship, the Cycling Association of Thailand will plan for the 20th Asian Games in Japan in September. If the Sports Authority of Thailand approves athlete participation, preparations and training camps will begin immediately. He expects Thai cyclists to rank in the top three or possibly win gold.
“The Cycling Association of Thailand has never disappointed the Thai people. At the 33rd SEA Games, we won 10 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze medals, marking great success. Thai cyclists will continue to perform well in upcoming events. Importantly, the 2026 Asian Road Cycling Championship in Saudi Arabia offers UCI world ranking points, which affect qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA,” General Decha said.
Mr. Atit, or Baptiste Pollard, the Thai-French cyclist, said his physical condition is excellent after competing in the first round of the 2026 Thailand Road Cycling Championship at Vajiralongkorn Dam in Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province. He then competed in Dubai, UAE, before returning to the Thai national team camp for about a week, which was good preparation for the Asian Championship. Being selected for the Thai national team for the first time makes him very proud. He aims to win the championship and wear the Asian champion jersey for Thailand as a gift to the Thai people. He promised to do his best and asked for support from all Thais for himself and his teammates.
The Thai national team roster for various categories is as follows: Men's elite category includes Major Peerapol Chaochiangkwang, Sergeant Sarawut Siriranchai, Sergeant Thanakarn Chaiyasombat, Corporal Ratchanon Yaowarat, and Atit or Baptiste Pollard, the Thai-French cyclist. Women's elite category includes Sergeant Major Petchdarin Somraj, Sergeant Chaniporn Batriya, Ms. Kamolrada Khaoplod, and Ms. Rungnapa Kusol. Under-23 men’s category includes Mr. Thanapat Sakultra, Mr. Tinpat Muangdet, and Mr. Apisit Suphan. Under-23 women’s category includes Ms. Pittayaporn Saetan and Ms. Natcha Songken.
Youth men’s category includes Mr. Kritpas Homkajorn, Mr. Peerawat Wititpanitpan, and Mr. Patchara Sithisampan. Youth women’s category includes Ms. Kawisara Amkamnerd, Ms. Phumrat Chalermkit, and Ms. Siwaporn Phuttharam. Masters women aged 35-39 includes Ms. Rungnapa Kusol; masters women aged 40-45 includes Lt. Col. Chanpeng Nontasins; masters men aged 35-39 includes Mr. Narongdet Saengchai; masters men aged 50-54 includes Mr. Suriya Saengboon. The team manager is coach Wisut Kasiyaphat (“Coach Tum”), with coaches Major Phuchong Saiaudomsil (“Coach Bas”) and Mr. Li Xiao Le. Sergeant Major Santi Khotcharat is the physiotherapist, and Mr. Suriya Wongpan is the team mechanic.