Thailand takes the 'Tour'

Hundreds of cyclists took part last Saturday in an event to mark the centenary of the Tour de France, the world’s best known multiple stage bicycle race.

The “Road to Tour de France (Thailand)”, which covered the route from Srinakharinwirot University Ongkarak Campus in Rangsit to Khun Dan Prakan Chon dam in Nakhon Nayok, was organised by GMM Z in collaboration with Eurosport, the pan-European television sport network operated by French broadcaster TF1 Group. The event aimed to advertise and support the live telecast of the 2013 Tour de France, which will run from June 29 to July 21 with live coverage from Eurosport 393.

The 2013 race will cover a total of 3,403 kilometres and is in 21 stages. Unlike previous tours, it’s starting in Corsica and takes in the only two provinces in metropolitan France the Tour has never visited – Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse.

The 100th edition of the race will also feature some of the most famous climbs in its history, among them the Col du Tourmalet in Stage 9 and a summit finish on Mont Ventoux in Stage 14. Riders will ascend Alpe d'Huez twice in Stage 18, with the stage finishing after the second ascent. The race will conclude with a race to the line on the Champs-Elysees in Paris at night for the first time.

“Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand,” says Eurosport channel director Daniel Blessing. “It’s now considered the trendiest sport yet very few Thais are able to name the world’s top cyclists. This is very different in Europe, where these cyclists are considered superstars. Thais mainly ride for the health or as a lifestyle choice, so my aim is to enhance interest and encourage them to watch the Tour de France live with a Thai commentary.”

Among the cyclists taking part in Saturday’s race were LeoPut, Ketsepsawat “Na Nake” Palagawongse Na Ayutthaya, Kitti “Kleur” Cheawwongkul, Nanthawat “Tor” Arsirapojanakul, Pranee “Ie” Weeranukul, Krit Krisanavarin, Korrapin Puangpo, Jaturong “X” Kolimas and Supakorn “Tok” Kijsuwan.

As in the Tour, 10 jerseys of different colours each were awarded to the winners of the sprint stage and the hill climb, with one yellow jersey going to the rider who managed the best individual time.

Thanasak Thanchai was the winner in the sprint category, Keerati Sukprasart did the best time in the hill climb while Nattapol Jumchat, a 17-year-old student from Lop Buri took home the yellow jersey.

Nattapol, who is studying at Phra Narai School, has won many prizes in mountain biking. He switched to a road bike two years ago and represented his province in the 2012 and 2013 Thailand National Youth Games held in Phuket and Maha Sarakham respectively.

He’s not thinking in terms of the real Tour de France, at least not yet. “My goal is to be a soldier like my father. But I guess I’ll be an athlete in the army,” he says.

“Cycling has certainly helped keep me healthy and also made me a lot of friends.”