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Not every week does the world come to Chiang Mai. But if any week calls for breaking your usual routine, it’s now as the city hosts hundreds of paralympians for a cycling world cup and all the seat-gripping adrenaline that comes with it.
With Chiang Mai becoming the first city in Thailand to host the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Para Cycling Road World Cup, this is a landmark event for the city.
The championship brings together riders from 44 countries, with over 400 athletes, staff and officials taking part in one form or another. The circuit itself covers 8.4km (per lap) on wide, fully closed roads, featuring climbs that only add to the challenge.
Para-cycling is contested by athletes with a range of physical impairments, including limb differences and neurological conditions. Each rider carries a unique story and the racing itself is anything but ordinary – expect a striking variety of modified bikes on the course, from standard bicycles to handbikes, with riders competing across different classes.
Among the competing teams is the Gaza Sunbirds, a team of Palestinian amputee athletes, who are now competing at world cup-level. There are few sporting events anywhere in the world that offer stories as powerful as these and this week, they're unfolding right here in Chiang Mai.
Rajabhat University (Saluang Campus) plays host to an action-packed week of elite competition that runs from March 19-22. Each day, a different challenge – with individual time trials, road races, and team relays all on the programme. Spectators are welcome to line the main road of Rajabhat University to cheer the athletes on, where the action promises a thrilling start and a suspenseful finale. The main competitive race starts at midday, March 19, and is said to be the best time to catch the athletes in action.
Free to attend and open to all – this is a rare chance to experience something extraordinary on Chiang Mai’s doorstep.
March 19-22. Free. Rajabhat University. More information about specific races on the UCI website.