"Seth Muek" pushes sports science to comprehensively advance Thai national cyclists.
The Cycling Association of Thailand has partnered with the Sports Science Center of the Sports Authority of Thailand to apply technology and lactate analysis in developing the individual potential of Thai national cyclists. This effort prepares them for the 20th Asian Games in Japan, while continuously sending promising young cyclists to gain international experience.
"Seth 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 the Royal Patronage, revealed that the association has fully incorporated sports science into training for the Thai national cycling team preparing for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. This covers all disciplines including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, sports medicine, and sports technology. This builds on the policy to continuously develop and apply sports science in all aspects of cycling.
General Decha stated that recently the Cycling Association received cooperation from the Sports Science Center of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) under the National Sports Training Center project, where cycling is one of 10 pilot sports associations. Mr. Saksayam Saengvaisyasuk, Director of the National Sports Training Center Division, led a team of sports science experts to conduct blood lactate analysis on the Thai national cycling team preparing for the 20th Asian Games in road and mountain bike categories at the Chateau de Khao Yai Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima from 28 to 30 April, during the national team's training camp.
"From this blood lactate analysis, Mr. Saksayam Saengvaisyasuk expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and dedication shown by both athletes and coaches in conducting the ramp test, or blood lactate analysis. According to the plan, two more lactate blood tests will be conducted at intervals of approximately eight weeks to compare and monitor the athletes' physical development resulting from training," General Decha explained.
General Decha added that the analysis results will be used by Colonel Phuchong Saiaudomsil, road cycling coach, and Mr. Robert Herber Jr., American mountain bike coach, to design specific training plans based on the lactate analysis data. This aims to develop athletes' endurance, a crucial factor in road and mountain bike competitions requiring prolonged stamina. The second and third lactate tests will measure each athlete’s training effectiveness and progress. For track and BMX racing, sports science processes differ as these disciplines emphasize power and speed more than endurance, focusing instead on muscle development related to speed.
"Seth Muek" further stated that the Cycling Association has a policy to continuously apply sports science and its various branches directly and indirectly to enhance the potential and overall health of the national team. This includes training, competition, equipment, nutrition, psychology, and recovery. Major Dr. Phusit Fuangfoo, Deputy Medical President of the Cycling Association, closely supervises and advises coaches in each discipline, with specific variations depending on the sport.
"Besides using comprehensive sports science to develop athletes' potential, the Cycling Association also has a policy to send young athletes to compete internationally. Recently, they sent Lieutenant Warut Paekratok and Miss Apisara Srimongkol to compete in the Indonesia Track Cup 1 from 30 April to 2 May and Indonesia Track Cup 2 from 4 to 6 May. Although they did not win medals, both athletes placed within the top 1-5 in several events, which helps promote new talent to gain experience and become future mainstays of the national team," General Decha concluded.