The Tour of Siam 2005 officially commenced on January 16
at the 700 Year Anniversary Stadium, Chiang Mai. The Tour of Siam 2005
copies the “Tour de France”, the world’s most famous long distance
cycle race. The 962 kilometre route started at Chiang Mai and ended at
Nakhon Nayok in the Middle of Thailand on January 21.
Cyclists
from various teams wait for the start.
22 teams from Europe, Asia, Arab countries and Australia
took part in the event competing for the HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy and
over 1 million baht in prize money. Winners will be announced next week.
The 5.5 kilometre prologue on January 16 was around
Chiang Mai in which 123 athletes took part. It started and ended at the 700
Year Anniversary Stadium.
Setting
off from the start line.
The gruelling 5 day competition was over mountains and
through forests from Chiang Mai through Phrae, Phitsanulok, Petchaboon, Pak
Chong through the Khao Yai National Park, ending in Nakorn Nayok. A party to
celebrate the finish was held at the Wang Ree Resort in Nakorn Nayok.
Santiparp
Techawanich, governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT) sets the
cycles in motion.
Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapallop, Dato Seri G. Darshan Singh,
president of the Asian Cycling Confederation; Santiparp Techawanich,
governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT); Chief Marshall Gen.
Chanin Chantrubeksa, president of the Thai Cycling Association and Chiang
Mai governor, Suwat Tantipat were present at the start of the tournament.
Peter
Dawson handing out the winners’ trophy.