Bangkok: Thailand has successfully secured two quotas to compete in the 2026 World Track Cycling Championships, with an eye on accumulating points towards the 2028 Olympics.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai track cycling team has earned two qualifying spots for the 2026 World Championships in Shanghai. Coach "Ink" (the team's nickname) aims to build on their performance at the Asian Games and continue gathering points for the 2028 Olympics, while expressing concerns about potential budget constraints that might impact future qualification opportunities.
General Decha Hemkrasri, also known as "General Ink," President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, announced that the International Cycling Federation (UCI) has confirmed the quotas for the 2026 World Track Cycling Championships, scheduled from October 14-18 in Shanghai, China. Thailand secured two spots in the men's team sprint and the men's individual 1-kilometer time trial, based on the men's team sprint's world ranking of 15th.
The Thai men's sprint team, comprised of Jai Angsuthasawit ("TJ"), Petty Officer 1st Class Norasetthada Boonma, and Sergeant Major Yunyong Petcharat, is set to compete in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya from September 29th to October 2nd. Following this, they will return to training and travel to the World Championships on October 9th.
"Colonel Mook" emphasized that this World Championship is a critical starting point for accumulating points to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Only the top 8 teams with the highest scores will qualify for the team sprint event. A top 8 finish would also secure Thailand's place in the team sprint competition, as well as the men's keirin and individual sprint events.
The path to qualification is challenging, especially concerning the budget required for international competitions to earn points. A lack of funding by 2027 could hinder Thai cyclists' chances of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.
Thai cycling has previously qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in three events: road cycling, track cycling, and BMX racing. The association is focused on maintaining and improving upon this success to maximize the chances of securing Olympic qualification for the 2028 Games.