Racing

It is very difficult to get advance notice of many of the races in Thailand. Races are few and far between. Opportunities for organising races are also sparse because there is no formal club structure and because the Thai Cycling Association is not organised in a way that benefits the sport. Here are some events that we know about and updates will be posted as information becomes available.

June 18-19: Queen’s Cup Thailand Track Championships, round 3 at Suphan Buri

August 13-14: Queen’s Cup Thailand Track Championships, round 4 at Huamark velodrome, Bangkok

September 23: Thailand Time Trial Championships round 5, Khongjiam, Ubonratchathani; Also ‘Cycling for Health’, round 4 (no idea what this is!!)

24: Thailand MTB Downhill & Cross Country championships, round 5 at Khongjiam, Ubonratchathani

25: Thailand Road Race Championship, round 5 at Khongjiam, Ubonratchathani

October 8/9: Queen’s Cup Thailand Track Championships, round 5 at Huamark velodrome, Bangkok

November 11-20: SEA Games in Indonesia (The last SEA Games in Lao did not feature track racing, no idea about this one!)

November 25 – December 5: Thailand national championships in Khon Kaen province (again no more information)

December 9: Thailand Time Trial Championships round 6, Chai Nat province; Also ‘Cycling for Health’, round 5 (no idea what this is!!)

10: Thailand MTB Downhill & Cross Country championships, round 6 at Chai Nat

11: Thailand Road Race Championship, round 6 at Chai Nat

There you have it: the official list for 2011. Pretty bad, eh?

TIME TRIALS

It would be possible to organise regular time trials on the Canal Road in Chiang Mai. A course of 16km has been measured against a GPS system. Problem is – you need 6 helpers and a bit of enthusiasm. It would be incredibly good for the sport here in Chiang Mai if this could be organised on a regular basis (say once a fortnight). The riders would love it and the triathletes in town would use these time trials to sharpen their speed. Problem: No amount  of pleading and badgering of the local people can get them off their backsides to help get this organised. Indeed, we believe that one local organiser has tried to block this. CycleChiangmai.com is willing to help fund any costs. Ian Franklin is an official timekeeper from the UK’s CTT. Another experienced timekeeper is willing to help (Ian wants to ride). We don’t think police permission is needed – so if you want this, comment below or send an email or use the forum.

Useful Resources

Thai Cycling – http://www.thaicycling.or.th/?cid=348259

http://www.thaicycling.or.th/?cid=699936

www.tourdeeasternlanna.com