Over 100,000 baht in prize money was up for grabs at the 2014 Pattaya Mountain Bike Challenge, held on Pratumnak Hill on Sunday, April 27.
Cycling enthusiasts from all over the region turned up en-masse to take part and organizers were delighted to announce that this year’s event had received nearly double the amount of entries compared to previous editions.
Mountain bikers prepare at the start line of the 2014 Pattaya Mountain Bike Challenge.
For those not taking part there were many great vantage points from which to view the racing and the start/finish area also featured booths selling cycling equipment and paraphernalia along with the usual food and refreshment stalls.
The competition itself was divided into 18 sub-categories dependent on age and gender and the riders were faced with taking on a tough 5km loop around the wooded trails and steep road climbs of Pratumnak.
Winning cyclists received trophies and prize money totaling over 100,000 baht.
The 19-33 years open division featuring 15 cyclists was one of the more keenly contested fields and was won by Aphichet Angsusingh ahead of Cherdchai Jaiwong in second and Ratchapol Kaewmanee in third. Aphichet received 7,000 baht and a trophy for his efforts.
The final race of the day saw 24 cyclists in the 30-34 years of age category battle it out for honours, with first place and 7,000 baht going to Narkorn Raksakhaen while second and third spots were filled respectively by Theerawut Huayhongthong and Sonthaya Homchuen.
Pattaya deputy mayor Weerawat Khakhay (center right) presides over the opening ceremony.
