EPS–SCF Spanish training stint pays off as Singapore cyclists step up for Tour of Thailand

SINGAPORE, 25 February 2026 – The impact of the EPS–SCF Spanish Training Camp has translated directly into performance gains, with several returning athletes delivering standout performances at the recent National Team Trials for selection to the UCI Tour of Thailand

The trials, conducted during this two-week period following the three-week training block in Spain, provided a clear opportunity to assess how the physiological and technical adaptations gained in Europe transferred into competitive race conditions. Over the course of the trials, coaches observed a clear uplift in endurance depth, climbing resilience and the ability to sustain performance under accumulated fatigue, particularly among riders who had attended the Spanish training camp.

The camp, supported by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) in partnership with the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) and delivered in collaboration with UCI WorldTour team Movistar, exposed riders to sustained climbing, race simulations and high-volume endurance work in a professional European environment. Those demands closely mirrored the physiological and tactical requirements of stage racing in Thailand.

Performance gains evident in trials
According to SCF coaches, the alignment between the Spanish training block and the Tour of Thailand trials was evident. Riders demonstrated improved ability to:

• Sustain repeated high-intensity efforts
• Recover effectively between race simulations
• Maintain performance across consecutive days
• Execute pacing strategies under fatigue

Most notably, Muhammad Raihan Bin Mohd Airudin, who attended the Spanish Camp, showed a return to a performance level previously identified as Asian potential.

“The Spanish camp reset my standards,” said Raihan. “Riding in that environment forced me to manage fatigue properly and stay disciplined over long days. When the trials came, I felt more prepared physically and mentally than I have in a long time.”

Several youth riders who had participated in the Spanish camp were competitive throughout the trial period, influencing race outcomes and sustaining consistency under pressure.

Brayden Toh Jia Hui, who has been recommended for the selection to the UCI Tour of Thailand, credited the European exposure for his durability. “The back-to-back long rides in Spain made the trials feel more controlled. Even when the pace lifted, I felt like I had another level to go to. The camp taught me how to recover properly and manage energy across multiple days.”

Similarly, Yip Ga Cheng, another rider recommended following the trials, pointed to the technical gains made overseas. “Climbing continuously in Spain changed how I approach pacing. During the trials, I was more confident on sustained efforts and more composed when the race split. That exposure made a real difference.”

Syaheed Ismail, who also attended the camp and is being recommended, highlighted the cumulative effect of the preparation. “The intensity and structure in Spain built a stronger base than I have ever had. It was not just about fitness, it was about understanding race rhythm and decision-making.”

A measurable return on investment
SCF Head Coach Adrian Ng said the trials provided strong evidence that the Spanish block produced meaningful performance gains.

“We saw a clear uplift in resilience, climbing capacity and race durability from the riders who attended Spain,” he said. “The timing of the camp, just before trials, amplified its impact. It elevated the overall competitive standard.”

Endurance Coach Mark Chadwick added, “Stage racing demands repeated efforts under fatigue, and that’s exactly what the Spain block targeted. The improvements we observed in the trials confirm that the international training stimulus translated effectively into race performance.”

Building toward the Tour of Thailand
Four riders who attended the Spanish Camp, namely Brayden Toh Jia Hui, Yip Ga Cheng, Syaheed Ismail and Muhammad Raihan Bin Mohd Airudin, have earned selection to represent Singapore at the upcoming UCI Tour of Thailand in late March, underlining the impact of the Spanish training block. They will be joined by experienced riders Jerome Teo and Mun Yong Liang, whose presence adds valuable race maturity and depth to what is otherwise a relatively young squad.

The Tour of Thailand is a key milestone in SCF’s competitive calendar and an important step in preparing Singapore’s developing riders for larger regional ambitions, including the pathway toward the 2029 SEA Games.

EPS Chief Executive Officer Cyril Ducau said, “The performance progression demonstrated the strategic value of international exposure. The objective of the Spanish Training Camp was not simply participation, but meaningful development. Seeing that preparation translate into stronger performances at the trials reinforces our belief in providing Singapore’s athletes with access to world-class environments.”

SCF President Dr Hing Siong Chen added, “The trials confirmed that international training experiences accelerate learning and raise standards. The gains seen over the past month give us confidence as we approach the Tour of Thailand and continue building toward longer-term regional milestones.”

As Singapore’s riders now prepare for Thailand, the Spanish Training Camp stands as a pivotal preparation block, one that has measurably raised both confidence and competitive capability.