Cyclists from across the country flocked to compete in the 4th round of the 2026 Thailand Road and Mountain Bike Championships, vying for the Royal Trophy, from April 24-26 in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province. "Colonel Ink" (the chairman) emphasized that female road cyclists aged 15-17 who perform well have a chance to represent Thailand at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in October-November. Meanwhile, local residents of Pong Nam Ron District prepared to sell fruits such as durian, salak, rambutan, and lychee at reasonable prices to the cyclists. All hotels were fully booked, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the district's economy.
"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, revealed that the Cycling Association of Thailand, in collaboration with Chanthaburi Province, Pong Nam Ron District, Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, and the Ek Phaniangthong Foundation, will organize the 4th round of the 2026 Thailand Road Cycling Championships, competing for the Royal Trophy "King Bhumibol," and the Thailand Mountain Bike Championships, competing for the Royal Trophy of His Majesty the King, from April 24-26, 2026. The road cycling events will take place within Pong Nam Ron District, while the mountain bike events, including downhill, cross-country, and eliminator races, will be held at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir.
General Decha stated that for the latest round of the 4th cycling competition, over 600 cyclists from across the country have already registered, making the atmosphere in Pong Nam Ron district particularly lively. This is due to the large number of cyclists who have arrived for training in advance, along with at least 1,000 accompanying individuals. As a result, all hotels and accommodations are fully booked, including those in the adjacent Soi Dao district. Meanwhile, shops and restaurants are also experiencing high demand from cyclists and their companions. In particular, local fruit orchards from Chanthaburi province, which are currently in season with their produce such as durian, salak, rambutan, and lychee, are selling their goods at reasonable prices. This has led to increased sales and income for vendors, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the economy of Pong Nam Ron district.
General Decha further stated that the Cycling Association of Thailand will also consider selecting young female road cyclists to represent Thailand at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, from October 31st to November 13th, 2026. Athletes for the Youth Olympic Games must be between 15 and 17 years old (born between November 14th, 2008 and December 31st, 2009). Currently, there are approximately 3-4 athletes who meet this criterion. The national team coaches will consider additional outstanding cyclists from the fourth Olympic Games. Therefore, cyclists within this age range are requested to prepare themselves physically well.
"Colonel Mook" further stated that for this competition, the Cycling Association of Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) and the Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, is organizing the "Bike for Life-TCA GREEN CYCLING" event on Saturday, April 25th, at 3:00 PM, in front of the Pong Nam Ron District Office. Mr. Montsit Paisalthanawat, Governor of Chanthaburi Province, will preside over the opening ceremony. Approximately 300 cyclists from various clubs in Pong Nam Ron and nearby districts will participate. The route will be 5 kilometers, starting from the Pong Nam Ron District Office, turning around at the Highway Police service point, and returning to the finish line in front of the Pong Nam Ron District Office.
General Decha further revealed that all participants in the “Bike for Life” event will receive a certificate, a commemorative t-shirt, and a water bottle. They will also receive flashing lights and reflective signs with the slogan “Ride Safely, Be Considerate of Fellow Road Users” to attach under their bicycle saddles to reduce accidents. In addition, there will be an exhibition on safe cycling, a free bicycle repair clinic where people can bring their old bicycles for repair, saving money in accordance with the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” of King Rama IX, and a competition for beautifully decorated bicycles and antique bicycles. Awards will also be given to the oldest and youngest male and female cyclists. Furthermore, there will be an exhibition campaigning against e-cigarettes, which are just as harmful to the body as traditional cigarettes.
Meanwhile, the Cycling Association of Thailand, in collaboration with the Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF), organized a training course for assistant referees and safe cycling practices on April 23rd at the Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality meeting room. The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Phumrin Phetchamli, Senior District Clerk of Pong Nam Ron District, along with Mr. Wanchai Kesorasuwan, Deputy Mayor of Thap Sai Subdistrict Municipality, and Mr. Nisit Salakham, District Clerk of Pong Nam Ron District. Mr. Khattiya Srisoda, an international referee, served as the lecturer. Those who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate, enabling them to serve as assistant referees in the Thailand Cycling Championships or as referees for cycling competitions in Chanthaburi and surrounding provinces. They will also be eligible to participate in higher-level training courses regularly organized by the Cycling Association of Thailand each year.
The competition program for Friday, April 24th, includes a road cycling time trial starting at 9:00 AM. The route starts from the Pong Nam Ron District Office, loops back to Wat Nam Khiao, and finishes back at the Pong Nam Ron District Office, a distance of 9.3 km per lap. There will also be a mountain bike downhill race at Khlong Phra Phutth Reservoir starting at 8:00 AM, a distance of 1.1 km. Both events will be broadcast live on Facebook Live (Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel) and YouTube (TCA Channel) starting at 9:00 AM.
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