The governor of Chai Nat confirmed the province's readiness to host the "Thailand Open" cycling race in 2027. General Decha Hemkrasri pointed out that the event serves as a platform to scout young cyclists, with all national teams ready to compete in the Asian Games.
The third stage of the "Thailand Open" cycling race in Chai Nat was lively, with cyclists from across the country competing. Governor Phumivat Udomsap said the event boosts the local economy and tourism effectively and affirmed that if the Cycling Association grants the province the chance to host again in 2027, Chai Nat is fully prepared. General Decha Hemkrasri emphasized that the association uses the Thailand Open as a stage for new and young cyclists to enter the national team. He also revealed progress in preparing Thai cyclists in track, road, mountain biking, and BMX for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya. The Facebook live broadcasts attracted over 20,000 viewers.
The third stage of the 2026 Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championship, competing for the Royal Cup bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, was held on 15-16 August 2026 at the BMX stadium of Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization, Khao Khayai, Chai Nat province. On 15 August, the mountain bike race opening ceremony was chaired by Governor Phumivat Udomsap, joined by 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, along with heads of government agencies.
Additionally, a health cycling activity under the “TCA GREEN CYCLING” project, emphasizing environmental protection and climate change mitigation, was held under the name “Kwanjai Chai Nat.” Hundreds of cyclists from various clubs and the public joined to cycle a 16.9-kilometer route.
Governor Phumivat Udomsap stated that today's event atmosphere was very lively. Chai Nat aims to be a health tourism city, including cycling and trail running. He thanked the Cycling Association of Thailand for choosing Chai Nat to co-host the third stage of the Thailand Open. All related agencies have long prepared to welcome cyclists nationwide. The large number of athletes has filled all hotels and boosted business for shops and restaurants. Especially, Chai Nat's famous fruit, the white cucumber pomelo, is in season, attracting cyclists and tourists who contribute to stimulating the local economy and tourism.
The governor added that Chai Nat is a slow-life province suitable for sports tourism activities, featuring natural and cultural attractions such as small mountains, green rice fields, and the Chao Phraya River. Spiritual visitors can pay respects to renowned monks like Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao and Luang Pho Kuay of Wat Khositaram. He believes visitors will be impressed and want to return. If the Cycling Association of Thailand grants Chai Nat the opportunity to host again in 2027, the province is delighted and fully ready to co-host.
General Decha revealed that the Cycling Association does not allow national team athletes to compete in the Thailand Open because the association clearly separates competitions. Events focusing on elite performance allow national athletes, while the Thailand Open serves as a platform for new and young athletes in youth and public categories to showcase their abilities and gain experience, aiming to select outstanding athletes for the national team in the future.
General Decha said that the Thai national track cycling team for the 20th Asian Games is training in Tianjin, China. The association recently ordered a bicycle frame for "Makham" Police Senior Sergeant Major Yuenyong Phetcharat, whose bike had issues, sourcing it from China. The men's sprint team, including Yuenyong, "TJ" Jai Angsuthasawit, and "Naw" Police Junior Sergeant Naratthada Bunma, are contenders for top-three finishes. They also have medal chances in the keirin event, as Naratthada's condition is improving, sometimes beating Jai. All athletes are training hard. The mountain bike team, after medical checks on 14 August, is preparing for a C1 international event in Malaysia for experience before the Nagoya Games.
General Decha added that the road cycling team is intensively training in Chiang Mai, with all athletes in good condition. Notably, Thai-American athlete Arthit Pullard is a medal hopeful in the time trial and road race events. Female cyclists Sergeant Major Petchdarin Somrat and Sergeant Major Chaniporn Battriya are also key hopes. After the BMX Asian Championship in Malaysia, Staff Sergeant Gometh Sukprasert did not meet expectations, so coach Mr. Harvey Kreps returned to address weaknesses with the remaining time.
"The Cycling Association fully supports the athletes. I have visited and encouraged all types of athletes and hold weekly Zoom meetings to monitor training progress, identify obstacles, and evaluate performance. We ask the public to support Thai cyclists competing in the 20th Asian Games. Everyone is fully committed to achieving success and bringing honor to Thailand. Thank you," General Decha concluded.
The third stage of the Thailand Open mountain bike race, broadcast live on Facebook by the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, as well as on YouTube's TCA Channel, attracted over 20,000 viewers. Notable results include the 15-16-year-old male category (52 km): first place to Watcharapong Sanghasorn from Fisherman Friend Air Force 46 Phitsanulok in 1:39:22; second place to Athikun Saenta from Bangkok Sports School & Roojai in 1:40:20; third place to Punya Punnanupap from Bamboo Bike Club Ratchaburi/Bunny Family Club in 1:47:00.
In the under-18 female category (52 km), Suratsaya Wongpan from Fisherman Friend Wat Dong Noi, Sattha Samut Songkhram School, placed first in 2:05:54; Siraphatsorn Srisaiwai from Fisherman Friend Wat Dong Noi, Thawarana Kun Samut Songkhram School, placed second in 2:06:00; and Janyaporn Phosuwan from KCA Kamphaeng Phet Cycling Association placed third in 2:06:57.
In the men's public category (52 km), Montree Theerateep took first place in 1:27:01; Sanyalak Baengsantie placed second in 1:29:29; and Narongdet Sangchai from AminoVITAL - Summit Nich placed third in 1:29:30.
In the women's public category (52 km), Raphatporn Jirapiboonkrit from SPECIALIZED LOPBURI took first place in 1:54:15; Jairung Thepracha from Bamboo Bike Club Ratchaburi/Bunny Family Club placed second in 1:55:11; and Petchlada Munkong from Fisherman Friend Air Force 46 Phitsanulok placed third in 1:56:47. Full results are available at www.thaicycling.or.th.
The road cycling competition of the Thailand Open, third stage, will be held on Sunday, 16 August, with the opening ceremony at 07:30, chaired by Mrs. Jitthana Yingthawilapha, president of the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization. The race starts at 08:00 from the BMX stadium of the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization, Khao Khayai, and finishes at the Phlong Viewpoint, covering 68.6 km. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook by the Thailand Cycling Association and on YouTube's TCA Channel starting at 07:30.