THAILAND ACE THANAKHAN GOING PLACES

National champ helps team win Speedway SEA C’ship and is also bound for Olympics

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Growing up in Chiang Rai, Thanakhan Chaiyasombat never imagined that he would get to see much of what existed beyond the Thai borders.

But, after his father got him to try out cycling at the age of six, Thanakhan, now 24, found the wheels to take him places.

He has competed around the world, from Singapore to Switzerland. In July, he will also be heading to Paris for his Olympic bow.

Thailand secured a quota spot for the road race event in Paris through governing body Union Cycliste Internationale's rankings.

Just two weeks ago, Thanakhan was told by the Thai Cycling Association that he will be flying the country's flag at the Games. At the Singapore Sports Hub on May 11, the national champion showed just why he was picked.

He starred as part of a four-man Thai team who beat the heat and eight other sides to wint the Speedway SEA Championship, which is part of the two-day OCBC Cycle.