Bangkok: "Colonel Mook" has announced strategic plans for the Thai road cycling team to participate in the World Championships following their performance in the Asian Games, with the goal of accumulating points for Olympic qualification.
According to Thai News Agency, General Decha Hemkrasri, who holds prominent positions including Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation and President of both the ASEAN Cycling Federation and the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, shared that the association is preparing to send Thai national cycling teams to compete in major global events after the 20th Asian Games. The games, scheduled from September 19th to October 4th, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan, will serve as a stepping stone to accumulate points for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. Specifically, the focus will be on road cycling, with the national teams set to compete in the UCI Road World Championships 2026 in Montreal, Canada, from September 25th to 27th.
General Decha highlighted that the road cycling events at the Asian Games will feature four gold medal opportunities in the men's and women's time trial and road race events, scheduled from September 20-23. Thailand's key contender is Mr. Arthit Poulard, a Thai-French cyclist, aiming for a top three finish and potentially securing at least one medal. Following the Asian Games, selected Thai athletes will transition directly to the UCI Road World Championships 2026.
"Colonel Mook" elaborated that the Cycling Association of Thailand has secured quotas for athletes in three categories for the UCI Road World Championships 2026. The selected athletes include Mr. Arthit Poolard in the men's senior category, Ms. Pittayaporn Sae-Tan in the women's senior category, and Mr. Judah Thompson in the men's under-23 category. Lt. Col. (female) Chanpeng Nonthasin will manage the team, with Mr. Ronnie Devail as the assistant manager.
Lt. Col. Chanpheng and Pittayaporn are scheduled to travel to Canada on September 24th, while Mr. Arthit will join them on September 25th, meeting Mr. Ronnie and Judah, who have already arrived from the United States. The Thai athletes will compete as follows: Judah in the Under 23 category on September 25th, Pittayaporn in the Women's Open category on September 26th, and Arthit in the Men's Open category on September 27th.
General Decha emphasized the significance of the UCI Road World Championships 2026 for accumulating points towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as it offers high world ranking points. Success in these events will enhance the chances of securing Olympic qualification. The Cycling Association of Thailand aspires to achieve at least four Olympic qualifying spots across road cycling, track cycling, and BMX, replicating their success from the 2024 Olympic Games in France.