Thai Cycling Leaders Plan World Championship Training Program
Thailand's cycling federation will send young riders to a UCI training camp in France before the 2027 World Championships, with the program covering travel and accommodation for one male and female cyclist aged 18–23 from each country.
General Decha Hemkasertseri, vice president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and chairman of the Thai Cycling Association, attended the 195th UCI Congress in Montreal, Canada on September 23, 2025. The congress was chaired by UCI President David Lappartient and included representatives from 206 member nations.
Following the congress, Decha revealed that the UCI will organize a one-month training camp in France before the 2027 UCI Cycling World Championships in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The program will welcome one male and one female cyclist aged 18–23 from each country, with UCI covering travel and accommodation costs. The Thai cycling federation will track selection details carefully, as this offers a valuable opportunity to prepare young Thai cyclists at a high level before competing for the world title.
Decha also noted that the UCI will restructure the Junior Nations Cup from 2027 onwards, organizing separate continental competitions to reduce travel costs and logistical burdens before a Grand Final in Paris. This change could increase opportunities for young Thai cyclists to compete internationally. Additionally, the Junior Road Nations Cup from 2027 will run men's and women's events simultaneously.
The UCI emphasized funding opportunities through the UCI Solidarity Programme and Olympic Solidarity, and introduced the UCI Women's Continental Team initiative, allowing female cyclists from emerging cycling nations to train and compete in Europe while developing professional standards.
Safety in road racing was another major focus. The UCI will expand the yellow card system to Class 1 races from next season, including Thailand's international long-distance tours. Pre-race route inspections, risk analysis, and GPS satellite tracking of athlete positions will also be implemented, building on trials during the 2026 World Championships in Montreal and expanding to all men's and women's WorldTour races next season.
