The UCI Chief Referee and South Korean team manager praise Thailand’s excellent organization of the “Track Asia Cup 2026,” highlighting readiness in all aspects.
“Sergeant Major Muek” revealed that the Australian UCI Chief Referee and the manager of South Korea’s Sangju Cycling team jointly praised Thailand’s organization of the “Track Asia Cup 2026.” They commended the competition venue, accommodation, food, transportation, and facilities for meeting high standards and being fully prepared. Meanwhile, the Thai national team preparing for the 20th Asian Games returned to compete to test their readiness in the final stretch before the Nagoya Games.
“Sergeant Major 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, disclosed that the Cycling Association of Thailand will host the international track cycling competition “Track Asia Cup 2026” from 28-30 August 2026 at the Velodrome, Sports Authority of Thailand, Huamark. The association has registered the event with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a Class 1 race on the UCI calendar, where world ranking points are earned to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, and the Track World Championships.
General Decha stated that today a team managers’ meeting was held to explain details to the 38 teams from 21 countries participating. Mr. Matthew Wright, an international Australian referee appointed by the UCI as Chief Referee for this event, explained the rules. In conversations with Mr. Wright, he praised the comfortable hotels near the venue, the quality food, the convenient transportation from the airport to hotels, the transport for training, bicycle storage, and various facilities, all fully prepared and of high standard.
General Decha added that the opening ceremony on 28 August at 14:00 will be honored by Dato Amrit Singh Gill, President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), as the ceremony chairman. The event will feature performances by the Vachirawut College Scottish band and a Ramakien Khon show, "Hanuman Raising the Heart Box," from Ramkhamhaeng University, along with a full light and sound show. Cycling fans can watch live broadcasts on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, as well as on YouTube’s TCA Channel, starting from 08:00 daily.
Mr. Matthew Wright, the Australian international Chief Referee, said this is his second time officiating this event. He commended the organizing committee’s excellent management, the smooth arrangements at the athlete hotels, and the proximity of hotels to the Velodrome, which makes daily travel convenient. Upon arrival in Thailand, he inspected the Velodrome for the first time this year and felt everything was well-prepared, with the venue and arrangements meeting all UCI standards.
Mr. Matthew Wright further explained that this year’s competition has many participating teams. However, the event follows UCI regulations limiting the maximum number of athletes per team in each race. Additionally, track cycling events limit the number of competitors to 36 per race. If more than 36 athletes enter, qualifying rounds will be held first—especially in the scratch race—to select competitors for the main rounds according to regulations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lee Hyung-joo, manager of South Korea’s Sangju Cycling team, said this is their second time participating, so they understand this event’s high standard within Asia, which requires thorough preparation. The Sangju Cycling riders recently finished a competition in South Korea last week and came directly to this event. He hopes their athletes will perform at their best in this competition.
“Regarding organization, I am very impressed. The food provided is well-prepared and of good quality. The venue is close to the hotel and airport, which is much more convenient than last year’s lengthy travel from the airport to the venue. This greatly benefits all teams. Additionally, equipment storage, team areas, drinks, and other facilities are well arranged, orderly, and ready for use. We appreciate and commend the Thai team’s hard work to make this competition successful. Although the weather in Thailand is quite hot now, it is not a problem or very different from Korea, so we have adapted well,” Mr. Lee Hyung-joo said.
Lieutenant Colonel Adisak Wannasri, coach of the Thai national team, revealed that Thai athletes are fully prepared across youth and open categories, including the main athletes preparing for the 20th Asian Games who recently returned from training camp in China. These include “Captain Bee,” Second Lieutenant Jutatip Maneepan, “TJ” Jai Angsuthasawit, “Naw” Corporal Naraseththada Bunma, and “Makham” Police Senior Sergeant Major Yuenyong Phetcharat. This event serves as a final readiness test before the Nagoya Games. Key short-distance track rivals are Kazakhstan and Malaysia, while for middle-distance events, Thailand’s main competitor is South Korea.
Regarding the team managers’ meeting on 27 August at 15:00 at the Bangkok Inter Press Hotel, Soi Ramkhamhaeng 24, General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, presided. Mr. Matthew Wright, Australian international referee, and Mr. Natthapong Lohitnavi, Thai international referee, explained the rules and regulations to the 38 team managers from 21 countries attending. Athlete license controls were also conducted.
Those interested can attend the international track cycling “Track Asia Cup 2026” from 28-30 August at the Velodrome, Sports Authority of Thailand, Huamark, free of charge. Alternatively, watch live broadcasts on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, and on YouTube’s TCA Channel, starting daily at 08:00 until the event concludes.