Counting down to the criterium
The 2015 Bang Saen cycling race gets underway tomorrow on what is considered the most beautiful street circuit in the world
THE BANG SAEN CRITERIUM returns for its second edition to the seaside town in Chon Buri tomorrow and this year, it is attracting 70 cycling teams – more than half of them contestants from the first year – to race on what organisers say is an even more challenging street circuit.
“We had many more cycling teams from all over the country showing interest in this second edition of the Bang Saen Criterium but we have set the limit at 70 to ensure safety on the track,” says Zeudthavee “O” Kanchanapakapong, founder of the BikeFinder cycling team and the race director for the Criterium.
The number of the cycling teams increased after the race won recognition from the Thai Cycling Association under the royal patronage of His Majesty the King, the race director adds.
Participants include All Star Life and Living Bikenet, Flying Shark, Rayong Road Bike, Sudsoi Thailand, Play Cycling Club, Pattaya Cycling Association, Kalasin Team and Sikhiu Cycling Club as well as the national teams from the Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Navy and Singha Infinite, and an international cycling team, Coure |Masters Team.
The teams will be divided into three classes: Gold Riders (Class A), Silver Riders (Class B) and Lady Cup, each covering a different distance and taking to the track at different times.
The Gold Riders will race over 10 rounds of the circuit and also do a two-round rolling while both the Silver Riders cover eight rounds plus the two-round rolling. One round is 3.7 kilometres.
“This year the cyclists have to ride around the street circuit clockwise and make more than 20 turns. The biggest problem they face is the right hairpin turn to Khao Sam Muk, a 45-metre-high hill. It’s an unusually difficult turn,” says Zeudthavee.
Registration and installation of the timing chip take place from 5.30 to 6.30am at Saen Sabai Bungalow on Bang Saen Sai 2 Road. The start/finish point is in front of the Bang Saen Villa Hotel and the first race kicks off at 7am.
The winning teams, including the first and second runners-up, in all three categories will be awarded the Bang Saen Criterium Trophy. Gold and Silver riders also get a blue jersey while the ladies receive the jersey in pink.
