Vietnamese cyclists 'climb mountains' at SEA Games 33

The Vietnamese cycling team faces a major challenge at the upcoming SEA Games 33 in Thailand.

Mountain biking strives to regain its position.

The cycling competition at the 33rd SEA Games featured 17 events including mountain biking, track cycling, road cycling, and exhibition cycling. Vietnamese cyclists did not participate in track cycling or exhibition cycling events, instead focusing on road cycling and mountain biking.

Cyclist Nguyen Thi That is ready to defend her SEA Games gold medal.

Photo: Huynh Van Thuan

In mountain biking, Vietnam has won numerous gold medals in both downhill and cross-country events with golden girls like Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Phan Thi Thuy Trang, and Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh. However, at the 32nd SEA Games two years ago in Cambodia, Vietnamese mountain biking declined and failed to win any medals.

A member of the Vietnamese mountain bike coaching staff stated: "The nature of mountain biking demands that athletes endure hardship and suffering, not to mention the high risk of injury during training and competition, so fewer and fewer athletes are pursuing it. As a result, Vietnamese mountain biking faces difficulties in selecting and building a successor force." At the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnamese mountain bike team only brought three riders to Thailand: Bui Van Nhat, Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, and Chao Ong Lu Phim. Currently undergoing a rebuilding process, the Vietnamese mountain bike team will face fierce competition. The coaching staff hopes that their students will demonstrate their abilities after a long preparation period, helping Vietnamese mountain biking regain its position in the regional arena.

C. THE GOLDEN GIRL NGUYEN THI THAT

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, head of the cycling department at the Vietnam Sports Department, stated that cyclist Nguyen Thi That remains Vietnam's number one hope for cycling at the 33rd SEA Games. Nguyen Thi That's talent has been confirmed by her three Asian championships in 2018, 2019, and 2023, and her gold medals in five consecutive SEA Games. Nguyen Thi That's goal at the 33rd SEA Games is to win a double gold medal in both the road race and sprint categories.

According to the coaching staff, Nguyen Thi That will face fierce competition from the home team's riders from Thailand, especially her "rival" Jutatip. Both possessing a strong sprinting ability, the number one Vietnamese female cyclist and the number one Thai rider have often created intense speed battles before the finish line. At the 2025 Asian Championships in February, Jutatip narrowly defeated Nguyen Thi That to claim the top spot. Jutatip also has an advantage over Nguyen Thi That as she is competing on home ground and is familiar with the race route. In the women's road race category, the 134.8 km route includes hilly sections, so Nguyen Thi That will need the support of her teammates. Nguyen Thi Thi, Nguyen Thi Thu Mai, Lam Thi Kim Ngan, and Lam Thi Thuy Duong will act as "pullers" to help Nguyen Thi That compete for victory at the finish line against her opponent. Meanwhile, in the speed category, competing on a flat track will be more advantageous for Nguyen Thi That.

After competing in Europe, Nguyen Thi That returned to Vietnam to focus on the 33rd SEA Games following the national championships in August. She and the Vietnamese road cycling team trained in Da Lat ( Lam Dong province) to familiarize themselves with the mountain passes and then returned to Phan Thiet (Lam Dong province) for the final preparation phase before heading to Thailand. The 32-year-old cyclist stated that she has prepared thoroughly in all aspects and is ready to defend her SEA Games gold medal.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xe-dap-viet-nam-leo-nui-o-sea-games-33-185251202212022543.htm