The OCBC Cycle Singapore is slated for February 22nd 2009 and the online chatter about the cost of the race is underway, with some bikers calling the registration fees expensive.
Said tcpeng at togoparts.com, an online bike forum: “Yes, i agree that its (sic) a thump (sic) up for the organiser but pay for leisure ride is expensive. The price for leisure ride is from $26 to $63 and competitive ride is $125 to $168. Even SACA races is not that expensive and there is (sic) lots of leisure ride which is free.”
The cheapest ride is for students in the 20km community ride at $26, the early-bird fee. For adults, the early-bird fee is $58 for the 40km Challenge and $125 (assuming you have an OCBC credit card) for the 50km Super Challenge (which is subject to qualification).
The normal registration fee is $93 for adults for the 40km Challenge and $168 for the 50km Super Challenge. Corporate teams of four for the 40km Challenge will have to fork out $400.
Said JK Han in the triathlon family forum: “Quite $$$ for a 40-50km ride. Maybe need to pay for S’pore road tax for use of the road that day. I can do it any day for free. The SACA or ANZA events are seriously competitive and cheap as well. Frankly speaking, I’d pay no more than $50 for such an event. seems more of a fun event (then should be cheap) or for poser types.”
Since the race hasn’t even been staged, some are willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Said darkhorse at togoparts.com: “I feel for the serious rides 40/50km, it may be a bargain as the organizer need to close the entire route for the event (Correct me if i am wrong). Also, an average jersey cost $50-$80 already so depending on the jersey quality, it might be very worthwhile.”
The registration fee though seems the biggest hurdle. Said SG on togoparts.com: “Seems like “pro” race… and only for the “rich” cyclists. Will certainly look good. But count me out to sign up as an individual… just not worth the price.”
OCBC Bank is reported to have stumped up S$1 million with $100,000 of prize money up for grabs. Organisers are looking to hit 5,000 riders for the event.
Related story:
First mass cycling event in Singapore next year
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ppl, everything associated with OCBC should be boycott. Its a publicity drive. Mr David Conner should think of something smart…
i went. i did the 40KM Challenge. But i did register with the OCBC Early Bird. For 50$ odd dollars, i thot the jersey was very decent (quality and design), and i must say it was really pretty well organised. So for me, i would say it was fair bang for the buck. But of course, if i paid full price close to 100$ i may scream blue murder.
What a pity. Want to ride but cannot afford the fees, especially in this economic crisis!
One word: Gatecrash
Alternative: PLAB Runway Cycling
Excellent news! About time we got a high quality cycling event in Singapore.
Compared to IronMan and similar events, I’d say the prices are reasonable – particularly given the goodie bag, closed roads and the surrounding cycling exhibition/events. Count me in.
The fees are exhorbitant! Not only that, but there is going to be a mass of humanity and machines cluttering the start and also much of the route.
Imagine, even running events get bogged down with a whole mass of humanity and it takes ages to get to the start line. With bicycles to boot, it’s going to be extremely frustrating with stragglers etc.along the narrow cycling paths. For such numbers you need sufficient space like the Runway cycling.
I’ll stay home, go out cycling the next day.. enjoy myself no end… and save a lot of money.
i want to go but…… too epxnsiveeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Its about a time..enuff of Tri events!