Hua Hin cyclists, both Thai and foreigners, have been privileged to ride alongside 2010 Tour De France winner Andy Schleck and Channel 3 actress Aroonnapa Panichjaroon (Khun ‘Varn Varn’), one of Thailand’s most renowned celebrity cyclists.
Thailand Cycle Tours were the hosts for a series of group tours, training camps and the ‘Big Bike Ride’ on 5th March. This was a ride of 70 kilometres which began at True Arena then travelling to the Pranburi Dam and return; not really a ‘Tour De Hua Hin’!
H.E. Mr.Robert Lauer, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with Mr. Sirapan Kamolpramote, adviser to the Mayor of Hua Hin getting things started from True Arena. As a charity bike ride, one objective was to raise money for a Young Cyclists’ Development Program.
All proceeds after expenses will help buys bikes and provide coaching for some talented local Thai kids and to find and develop young Thai riders to compete at the very highest level in the years to come. As organiser and Hua Hin resident Lucien Kirch says, if small country like Luxembourg can produce a Tour De France winner there is no reason why Thailand cannot do the same with the right kind of encouragement and support. Lucien is a previous national tour cyclist from Luxembourg who is boyhood friend and fellow countryman of Andy Schleck.
Celebrities Andy Schleck and ‘Varn Varn’ relaxing after the ‘Big Bike Ride’ The conclusion of the Big Bike Ride at True Arena was a colorful and exuberant scene with organiser Lucien expressing some relief that the event was such a great success as the forerunner of many more planned high profile cycling events.
Around 500 participants now have their prized medals as mementos and some on the podium with celebrities ‘Varn Varn’ and Andy handing out trophies to the winners of time trial sections of the event.
Receiving the ‘orange jacket’ as a prized memento The future of bicycle tour events in Thailand seems assured with Hua Hin being at the forefront of this addition to the local sporting scene.
Andy Schleck agrees with this forecast and is a likely VIP guest at a similar and expanded tour next year. He believes that Hua Hin has all the necessary ingredients with an early morning start providing ideal weather conditions. A variety of available tour routes and a scenic backdrop together with the necessary infrastructure means a ‘Tour De Thailand’ featuring on the international cycling stage is a real possibility.
For more information visit www.thailandcycletours.com