The Thai sprint cycling team has surged to 15th in the world rankings. “Sergeant Muek” is sending track cyclists to train in China ahead of the Asian Games in Nagoya.
“Sergeant Muek” revealed that two Thai national short-distance track cyclists, Jai Angsuthasawit and Norasetthada Boonma, earned additional world ranking points at the "Japan Track Cup," boosting the Thai sprint team to 15th worldwide and 4th in Asia. Plans are underway to send the Asian Games cycling squad to train in Tianjin, China, to adapt to the 250-meter indoor parquet velodrome before the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
“Sergeant 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, stated that the Thai national short-distance track cycling team for the 20th Asian Games, comprising “TJ” Jai Angsuthasawit and “Neo” Lieutenant Norasetthada Boonma, competed in two consecutive world ranking events: "Japan Track Cup 1" and "Japan Track Cup 2" in Japan from 14-17 May. Jai and Norasetthada participated in the keirin and individual sprint events at both competitions.
General Decha said that in the keirin events, Jai reached the semifinals in both competitions, while Norasetthada advanced to the semifinals in Japan Track Cup 1 but was eliminated in the first round of Japan Track Cup 2. In the sprint events, although both recorded 200-meter time trials under 10 seconds, they did not achieve top success. Jai advanced furthest to the quarterfinals in Japan Track Cup 2. Nevertheless, both collected additional ranking points: Jai gained 390 points, raising his world ranking to 45 with a total of 1,817 points, and Norasetthada added 238 points, climbing 36 places to rank 104.
General Decha added that beyond Jai and Norasetthada, “Makham” Senior Police Sergeant Yuenyong Petchrat is also a key member of the national sprint team, which is a core event for the 2028 Olympic Games. Currently, Thailand’s team sprint ranks 15th globally and 4th in Asia, behind Japan (8th), Kazakhstan (10th), and China (12th).
“Sergeant Muek” further disclosed that the Cycling Association of Thailand plans to send the national short-distance track cycling team to train in Tianjin, China. This venue features a 250-meter indoor parquet velodrome, allowing Thai cyclists to acclimate to the same indoor track type they will encounter at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. In contrast, Thailand’s existing velodromes are outdoor concrete tracks measuring 333.33 meters. Although this training plan involves high costs, including food, accommodation, and facility rental, the association considers it essential to maximize the athletes’ performance potential.
General Decha explained the training plan will be divided into two phases: the first from 20 June to 20 August, followed by a return to Thailand to compete in the Track Asia Cup 2026 at the Huamark Velodrome under the Sports Authority of Thailand from 28-30 August, an event that offers world ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualification. After a one-day break, the team will return to China for the second training phase from 1 to 20 September, then come back to Thailand to prepare for the Asian Games in Japan, where the track cycling competitions are scheduled from 29 September to 2 October over four days.
General Decha added that the association will prioritize sending core athletes with medal potential to the training camp in China, including short-distance track cyclists Jai Angsuthasawit, Lieutenant Norasetthada Boonma, Senior Police Sergeant Yuenyong Petchrat, and “Colonel Bee,” Captain Jutatip Maneepan, who will compete in the omnium events. Other athletes are still under consideration due to the significant expenses involved. The association is currently finalizing cost details from China.
“We must acknowledge that sending athletes to train abroad requires substantial funding, but it is necessary for them to adjust to different riding conditions and equipment techniques distinct from Thailand’s outdoor concrete velodromes. Regarding hopes for medals at the 20th Asian Games, success will depend on timing and opportunities during the competition, as anything can happen in cycling. Jai Angsuthasawit has previously won a gold medal at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The Cycling Association of Thailand never rests; we continuously work to uphold Thailand’s sporting reputation,” General Decha concluded.