Thai Cyclist Finishes 13th in Asian Games Mountain Bike Event
Thai cyclist Porpak Prapoditang finished 13th in the women's cross-country mountain bike race at the Asian Games in Nagoya, with teammate Pinpuck placing 10th on a technically demanding 28-kilometer course that saw 10 of 16 competitors drop
The 20th Asian Games cycling competition held in Nagoya, Japan on September 24 featured a women's cross-country mountain bike race at Oeta Ryukushi Park, consisting of 6 laps over 28 kilometers with one gold medal contested.
Two Thai cyclists participated: Pinpuck Chiangsuwan and Porpak Prapoditang. According to American-Filipino coach Robert Herber Jr., 16 athletes from 9 nations entered the competition. However, due to the technically challenging and physically demanding course, only 6 riders completed all 6 laps, with 10 athletes dropping out.
Results showed Wu Sifan of China taking gold with a time of 1:26:14, Liang Zhenglan of China winning silver in 1:27:05, and Sayu Bella Sukma Dewi of Indonesia claiming bronze in 1:28:00. Japanese hosts Urara Kawaguchi finished 4th in 1:30:57 and Yui Ishida 5th in 1:32:36.
Thai cyclist Pinpuck finished 10th while Porpak placed 13th, representing the strongest Thai performance of the day. Despite the brutal course conditions that eliminated 10 competitors, Thai supporters are encouraged to continue backing their cyclists in upcoming BMX and track cycling events.
The next cycling competition is the men's cross-country mountain bike race on September 25, featuring Thai cyclists Punsiri Sirimongkol and Pongsapira Pongayukul, starting at 11:00 local time (9:00 AM Thailand time).
