Pongsphira Clinches Double Championship in Mountain Bike Thai National Competition at Pong Nam Ron
Thai cyclist Pongsphira Pongsayukul won the Open Men's mountain bike championship at the Thai National Competition held in Chanthaburi's Pong Nam Ron district April 25-26, with Tak Province set to host the final rounds in August.
The Road Cycling Thai National Championship and Mountain Bike Thai National Championship for 2026, round 4, held April 24-26, was organized by the Thai Cycling Association under royal patronage in collaboration with Chanthaburi Province, Pong Nam Ron District, Thap Thai Subdistrict Municipality, and the Aek Panyaingtong Foundation in the Pong Nam Ron area. The mountain bike cross-country competition opening ceremony on April 25 at Khlong Phra Phut Reservoir was presided over by District Officer Praphet Yanpanya, with attendance from Thai Cycling Association Secretary General Captain Thitporn Noi Rak, senior administrator Bumrin Petchcharlee, subdistrict mayor Kasem Kasemssri, and other government officials.
A flag handover ceremony transferred hosting duties for rounds 5 and 6 to Tak Province, represented by Uthane Phanbhoka, Deputy Director of Bhumibol Dam 2, and Nathawat Funkfun, Director of Thailand's Office of Sports in Tak Province. Tak Province will host the competition August 7-9 using routes within Bhumibol Dam and Sam Ngao District.
Uthan Phanbhoka revealed that Tak Province Governor Choochart Rooying has directed all relevant agencies to support the event, including Sam Ngao Police Station for security and traffic control, Sam Ngao Hospital for emergency medical services, volunteer rescue foundations, and local government organizations. Bhumibol Dam personnel will facilitate cyclist safety.
The dam has prepared challenging courses for both road and mountain bike events that cyclists enjoy, particularly the downhill course which tests riders' abilities. The event brings economic benefits to local communities, with vendors and local enterprises selling goods, and resorts enjoying full occupancy. It also promotes youth fitness and athletic values. The invitation extends to cyclists nationwide to compete in what will be the final round determining the national champion.
For the mountain bike cross-country competition registered with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a CN national championship level with point scoring, notable categories include the Open Men's race (22 kilometers) where first place went to Pongsphira Pongsayukul, a Thai national cyclist preparing for the 20th Asian Games from Mueang Muay Nakhon Sawan-Fisherman Friend Chiang Mai team with a time of 1:08:58, with second place to Sergeant Poonsiri Sirimongkhol from the Permanent Secretary's Office team.
