First mass cycling event in Singapore next year

Contributed by Lorna Campbell

November 18, 2008, Singapore - Singapore's first mass participation cycling event on public roads which caters for every level of cyclist from beginner to professional, OCBC Cycle Singapore, will take place on February 22nd, 2009.

Event organisers are also looking to bring 50 professional cyclists from around the world to participate in the competitive leg of this cycling event.

Mr Chris Robb, Managing Director of Spectrum Worldwide, the organiser, said, "We are thrilled to bring the first-ever mass participation cycling event on fully closed roads to Singapore. OCBC Cycle Singapore will offer Singaporeans an entire day of activities, the chance to participate in an event which suits their cycling skill level, and the opportunity to witness the excitement and speed of a professional cycling criterium. It is our wish to see everyone leave with smiles on their faces, feeling that they have had a good day out with their friends, families and colleagues."

OCBC Cycle Singapore is open to participants of all ages and skill levels across distance categories ranging from five (5) km to 50km. The Mighty Savers Kids Ride – 5km is open to children from six (6) to 12 years old while The Challenge – 40km and The Super Challenge – 50km (Subject to qualification) is open to expert and intermediate participants aged 16 years and above. Beginners and families who want to participate in OCBC Cycle Singapore can sign up for the Community Ride – 20km.

The criterium category will see serious and professional cyclists compete among the best and push themselves beyond their limits. It will consist of four categories - Ladies' Open, Masters', Men's Open and Elite. Participation in the Elite category is by invitation only and subject to a qualifying round.

All the categories will feature individual and team entries and the route will take participants through the streets and iconic landmarks of Singapore such as the National Stadium, the Singapore Flyer and the F1 Pit Building.

This event comes at a time when cycling is already popular with Singaporeans. Cyclists have seen recent government initiatives to connect cycling paths island wide to ensure seamless riding as well as the introduction of more safety signs on roads to encourage safe cycling. The Land Transport Authority has also recently announced plans to install more bicycle kiosks around the island and to allow foldable bikes to be brought on MRT trains so that more commuters would consider cycling.

There has also been an increase in the number of cycling clubs in Singapore in recent years. OCBC Bank's title sponsorship of the event therefore bodes well for Singapore's fast developing cycling scene.

Mr David Conner, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Bank, said, "As banker to the community in Singapore, OCBC Bank is proud to be the title sponsor for this inaugural event. The inclusive nature of the activity and its ability to bring people closer together, are consistent with our value of Teamwork as well as our business propositions aimed at families."

"Being part of the event is also in line with our ongoing commitment to engage more with the community. We hope to see as many Singaporeans take part in the event as the cycling course will allow. We also believe that the enthusiasm for, and participation in the event will only grow in the coming years," he added.

The chairman of the Singapore Sports Council welcomed another event in Singapore’s sports calendar. “With OCBC Cycle Singapore being the latest addition to Singapore’s dynamic sports calendar, it has never been easier for Singaporeans to make sports part of their lives. Cycling has seen an increase in popularity among Singaporeans recently. We hope the event will encourage more motorists to accept cyclists as one of their fellow road users and advocate safe road culture in Singapore. I am also pleased to see more local organisations, like OCBC Bank using sports as a platform to market and brand themselves. The sports industry in Singapore is definitely on the upswing. I look forward to a successful inaugural OCBC Cycle Singapore and urge for all Singaporeans to get on their bikes and participate in this ‘marathon on wheels'”.

Registration for OCBC Cycle Singapore begins today and registration fees start from $26. Interested parties can go to www.ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg for more information.