Thai Teen Cyclist Sunisa Jomthong to Compete at 2026 Youth Olympics
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Thai Cycling Association President General Decha Hemkrasri, who also serves as Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation, President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and President of the Thai Cycling Association under Royal Patronage, revealed that Thailand has secured one quota spot for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The cycling competition features two women's junior events, and the association has selected 17-year-old national team newcomer Sunisa Jomthong to compete against 41 other rising female cyclists from five continents. Sunisa is under the close supervision of coach Juthathip Maneephan, a 2025 Asian champion and double gold medalist at the 33rd SEA Games, who serves as both team manager and coach.
According to competition regulations for the women's junior category, cyclists must be born between November 14, 2008 and December 31, 2009, which differs from standard UCI rules that define junior athletes as ages 17-18. Sunisa will contest two events: the individual road race covering 59.5 km on November 8, and the individual time trial covering 8.5 km on November 10. Both events use the Corniche Ouest coastal circuit in Dakar with 8.5 km laps. A team managers' meeting is scheduled for November 5, and the host provides only one official training day on the actual course on November 7.
General Decha stated that the Thai Cycling Association received notification from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand in August confirming Thailand's qualification. The association then selected a cyclist with outstanding results who met the age criteria. Sunisa, a product of the association's continuous race organization, has demonstrated exceptional potential from the Thailand Open through the National Road Cycling Championships. Her performances earned her a spot on the Thai youth team for the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
Since securing qualification, the association immediately organized training camps. Information indicates the race course is an Atlantic coastal circuit; while the route is flat throughout, the key challenge is crosswinds. The coaching staff planned for Sunisa to build strength training alongside senior national team members preparing for the 20th Asian Games. In the final two months before competition, she relocated to train in strong wind conditions in Phitsanulok province and at the Sranjit Mongkol Suk Cycling Track around Bueng Si Fai in Phichit province.
General Decha added that competing at the Olympic level, even at the youth tier, requires acknowledging the high standard of competition.
