The first lively little balance bike race attracted nearly 500 children competing, helping to boost the economy in Phichit province.
The first round of the Thailand Little Balance Bike Championship for the 2026 Royal Trophy at Saranchit Mongkolsuk Cycling Track in Phichit was more vibrant than expected, with nearly 500 young riders competing alongside thousands of parents and supporters. “Sergeant Muek” noted the clear boost to the local economy, while parents affirmed the balance bike sport greatly benefits children's development and health. The event was broadcast live on Facebook.
The Thailand Little Balance Bike Championship for the 2026 Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn took place on 24 May at Saranchit Mongkolsuk Cycling Track (Bueng Si Fai), Phichit province. The opening ceremony was presided over by Krit Pensupa, President of the Phichit Provincial Administrative Organization, along with Navy Captain Thitiporn Noirak, Secretary-General of the Cycling Association of Thailand; Siharat Wongsengiem, Deputy President of Phichit PAO; Police Major General Somnuek Makmee, Deputy President of Phichit PAO; and other officials. The event was streamed live on Facebook Live via Thailand Cycling Association and YouTube TCA Channel, with over 10,000 combined views.
Krit Pensupa, President of Phichit PAO, said the enthusiastic atmosphere with nearly 500 children competing and many families supporting them shows Phichit is fully ready to welcome everyone. Our cycling track meets international standards. The influx of athletes and visitors has increased income for local residents, effectively stimulating the local economy. He also invited Phichit residents who haven't visited Saranchit Mongkolsuk Cycling Track to come enjoy exercising and recreational activities. Nearby provinces are also encouraged to experience the beauty of Bueng Si Fai. He is confident visitors will be impressed and want to return.
“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, said the first round of the Thailand Little Balance Bike Championship attracted many young riders and parents. On 23 March 2024, Phichit province was honored by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, who officially opened the Saranchit Mongkolsuk Cycling Track and observed a demonstration of little balance bike cycling. Additionally, Her Majesty the Queen rode a BMX bike at this venue, a most gracious royal honor.
General Decha said that with over 2,000 athletes, BMX riders, little balance bike riders, and parents visiting Phichit, all hotels in the province were fully booked. Some parents stayed at resorts in other districts, while some families had to stay as far as Phitsanulok province. This generated income and boosted the economy for local residents, especially vendors around Bueng Si Fai.
General Decha added that in preparation for the Thai national cycling team for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, in the short track category, the International Cycling Union (UCI) recently announced the world rankings for the sprint team. Thailand’s men's sprint team ranked 15th globally and 4th in Asia out of nearly 200 countries. In June, the track cyclists will train in China. BMX rider “Ae” Sergeant Gometh Sukprasert has also improved his world ranking.
“Meanwhile, the road cycling team’s world ranking is also rising. Currently, athletes are training at Khao Yai, but by late May they will move to Chiang Mai to familiarize themselves with mountain routes similar to those in Nagoya. We are fully integrating sports science and testing athletes’ progress; if no improvement is seen, adjustments will be made. Regarding hopes for medals, I am confident Thai cyclists will certainly win at least one,” General Decha said.
Punyanooch Piankan, a parent from the Spirit Lumphun team, said she came from Lamphun province with her son competing for the first time. She observed that since he started balance bike cycling, his health has improved and he rarely gets sick, unlike before when hospital visits were frequent. She noted both physical and mental development, saying this sport is suitable for children aged 2 to 10. She encourages more parents to bring their children to enjoy balance bike cycling.
Manaswee Promchoti, a parent from the Kalasin Balance Bike team, said she traveled from Kalasin province with one child competing and four adults accompanying. Since her child started balance bike cycling, she noticed improvements in thinking and decision-making, increased discipline, and stronger health. Though her child is new to pump track-style courses and needed some adjustment, she believes all balance bike children will adapt well. Grandparents also come to cheer at every race, allowing families to spend happy time together.
Notable results from the little balance bike races include: Open category boys and girls aged 3.1-5 years – Girls: 1st Natnarin Boonlong, 2nd Alita Muangpia, 3rd Chalintra Nakphupit; Boys: 1st Napatsadon Chansamran, 2nd Navinchar Na Songkhla, 3rd Nantipat Duangchan.
Girls under 2 years: 1st Alavie Sukgri, 2nd Anyarin Chuntan, 3rd Chawisa Kulprasert; Boys under 2 years: 1st Wachirathon Sukkij, 2nd Kannakan Thanapornmongkol, 3rd Panwanat Lanta.
Girls aged 2.1-2.6 years: 1st Yosita Namlaw, 2nd Mira Muangkrung, 3rd Paphinda Saengkat; Boys aged 2.1-2.6 years: 1st Tarin Chaiwong, 2nd Natheekanin Wongchai, 3rd Patthanachon Sompol.
Girls aged 2.7-3 years: 1st Naphatchanan Patmakulchai, 2nd Natthathida Chandi, 3rd Purichaya Prachakul; Boys aged 2.7-3 years: 1st Chanattham Kittithamthan, 2nd Rattanawat Promjaree, 3rd Thanyathan Thamlapjaroen.
Girls aged 3.1-3.6 years: 1st Kawinthada Nachaichot, 2nd Narupnida Pongpom, 3rd Nalinnya Phetthib; Boys aged 3.1-3.6 years: 1st Prin Surakhun, 2nd Jetanipat Nachaichot, 3rd Tatthep Kaewchaem. Full results are available on the Cycling Association’s website at www.thaicycling.or.th.
The next little balance bike event organized by the Cycling Association will be the 2026 Asian Balance Bike Championship held on 6–7 June 2026 at Island Hall, 3rd Floor, Fashion Island Shopping Center, Ram Inthra Road. Saturday, 6 June, will feature the Asian Championship with riders representing member countries of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC). Sunday, 7 June, will be a challenge event open to all children. Registration is open now until 4 June at 5 p.m. via www.thaicycling.or.th and onsite at Island Hall, 3rd Floor, Fashion Island on 6 June from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details can be followed on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page or by calling 0-2719-3340-2 during office hours.