NAKHON PHANOM: The Thai Cycling Association (TCA) is to investigate the alleged unsportsmanlike conduct of a rider seen in a video forcefully shouldering another competitor with his shoulder and causing a pileup as he raced to the finish line.
The video clip of the incident, about 700 metres from the finish line during the Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018 on Sunday, was posted on the Facebook account of "Pawin Pong Suwannacheep".
It has sparked an uproar within the community, with posters saying the rider deliberately pushed another contestant and was guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct, and demanding an investigation.
It is reported that he went on to win the event.
TCA representative Pongthep Thaptim said a fact-finding probe has been launched into the incident and the association is calling for evidence for examination.
Those involved may be summoned to explain, including the injured racers. It was reported that four or five cyclists crashed off their bikes and sustained injuries.
Mr Pongthep said that if found in the wrong the controversial rider would be rebuked by the association and in the worst case banned from any events organised by the association. However, the prize is unlikely to be revoked because it was not challenged at the competition.
Those who were injured in the incident can file a complaint with the association. Their complaints will be reviewed by a committee, he said.
The Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018 was touted by the organiser as an eco-friendly event featuring three categories and including a three-day long-distance triple stage road race along the Mekong River passing through Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon.