Gen. Muek Targets 2028 Olympic Quota with New Cyclists
General Decha Hemakorn (Muek) announced a strategy to develop new Thai cyclists and earn qualification points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the team's medal‑less showing at the 20th Asian Games. He cited crashes that hampered top athletes, praised improvements among younger riders in mountain bike and BMX, and outlined plans to certify UCI Level 3 coaches and target strong results at upcoming regional and global events.
General Decha Hemakorn (Muek) outlined plans to develop Thai cycling after the country's disappointing performance at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, held from September 19 to October 4, 2027. He acknowledged that Thailand's top contenders missed medals due to crashes and bad luck, citing the collision involving Sergeant Kometh Sukprasert in the BMX racing final and a false start that felled the men's sprint team of Chai Angusuthasawadi, Police Lieutenant Yeunyong Phettrat, and Junior Sergeant Norasetthada Bunma. However, he praised the progress of newer riders, especially in mountain biking, where Sergeant Poonsiri Sirimongkol, Mr. Phongpheera Phongayukul, Ms. Pinphak Chiangsuwan, and Ms. Pornphak Praphothong showed clear improvement under the guidance of American coach Robert Herbert. He also noted promising results from emerging BMX racers Mr. Phutthaphumi Nakphaen and Ms. Hataphet Chaisawang.
Looking ahead, General Decha said the association's focus for 2027 and 2028 will be on accumulating UCI ranking points to secure Olympic quotas for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, while simultaneously nurturing new talent in road, track, mountain bike, and BMX disciplines for future events such as the 21st Asian Games in Doha and the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. The plan includes promoting newly certified UCI Level 3 coaches, with Police Lieutenant Jutatip Maniphan set to lead the short‑distance track team and Police Lieutenant Chanphen Nontasin to coach the women’s road squad, aiming first for strong showings at the 34th SEA Games in Malaysia next year.
