General Decha Implements Sports Science to Elevate Thai National Cycling Team Performance
Thailand's cycling association is implementing comprehensive sports science training for its national team ahead of the Asian Games, using blood lactate analysis and personalized coaching to boost performance across road, mountain bike, tra
General Decha Hemkrasri, Chairman of the Cycling Association of Thailand, has announced that the association is implementing comprehensive sports science methodology in training the Thai national cycling team for the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The program covers all disciplines including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, sports medicine, and sports technology as part of the association's ongoing commitment to apply sports science across all dimensions of cycling.
Recently, the association received collaboration from the Sports Science Center under the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) through the National Training Center project, with cycling as one of ten pioneering sports. Saksiam Saengwaisayasuk, Director of the National Training Center, led sports science experts in conducting blood lactate analysis of Thai national cyclists in road and mountain bike categories at Chateau de Khao Yai hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the Thai cycling team's training camp.
Based on the blood analysis results, road coach Phuchoong Sailudomsilp and American mountain bike coach Robert Herber Jr. will design personalized training programs using the lactate data to develop athletes' endurance—the critical factor in road and mountain bike racing. Two additional lactate tests are planned at eight-week intervals to measure training progress and physical development.
For track and BMX racing, the sports science approach differs, focusing on strength and speed rather than endurance, emphasizing muscle development that directly impacts racing velocity. General Decha emphasized the association's comprehensive policy of continuously applying all branches of sports science—direct and indirect—to develop and improve the overall health and performance of Thai national athletes across training, competition, equipment, nutrition, psychology, and physical recovery. Medical affairs deputy director Phusit Fuengfu oversees the entire process, providing guidance to coaching teams while adapting protocols to each discipline's specific needs.
Additionally, the association continues its policy of sending young cyclists to compete internationally. Recently, Varutt Bpaekratok and Apisara Srimoungkol competed in Indonesian Track Cup 1 (April 30-May 2) and Indonesian Track Cup 2 (May 4-6) in track cycling, delivering satisfactory performances.
