OCBC Cycle 2016 cap up from 7,000 to 8,000
Early registration for annual OCBC cycling event opens; cap increased to 8,000 riders
Early registration for the eighth edition of the nation's largest cycling event, OCBC Cycle 2016, opened yesterday on the sidelines of the launch event at Orchard Gateway.
OCBC Bank have been long-time supporters of cycling in Singapore and their group chief executive officer, Samuel Tsien, said the event on Oct 1 is one of their strategies to promote a sport that everybody can afford to participate in.
Said Tsien: "From a country and community's perspective, you do not need a lot of gear to cycle.
"It's a healthy event and we think of it as mass population participation."
The OCBC Cycle 2016 will be capped at 8,000 participants, up from 7,000 last year.
Citing participants' safety as a priority, Tsien said: "We do not want the number of participants to be too large, so as to ensure their safety and to allow them to have an even better experience.
"Safety will always come first and we will make sure to have that in mind every step of the way."
Sport Singapore chief executive officer Lim Teck Yin said they were happy to work with OCBC for such events as it "gives everyone an opportunity to write his own story and it also tells a story".
He added: "People who are cycling for a charitable cause, to bond with their families or beat their personal best.
"These stories are important stories that showcase the Singapore spirit."
At yesterday's launch - where those who registered received various discounts and merchandise - Alan Grant, a rider from Specialized Mavericks, broke the Singapore record for the "Longest Distance Covered on a Stationary Bike in Six Hours (Men/Women)", covering 217.2km.
He achieved the feat in the first session yesterday, with a second to follow from 6pm till midnight yesterday.
Beside the Mavericks, OCBC Bank, New Moon and the Geylang Cycling team took part in the six-hour challenge, with the four teams also involved in the 24-hour challenge.
The latter challenge began at noon yesterday and will finish at the same time today with teams bidding to chalk up the highest mileage on a stationary bike within a 24-hour time frame.
The OCBC Cycle event on Oct 1 will start at the Sports Hub and finish at the National Stadium.
Donald MacDonald, 43, who is part of the OCBC team, is looking forward to the experience.
"Finishing in the National Stadium is a tremendous experience that most people will not get to experience otherwise," said the veteran cyclist.
OCBC CYCLE 2016
RACES: The Sportive Ride (42km), The Straits Times Ride (23km), Mighty Savers Kids Rides (family and children), OCBC Cycle Speedway South-east Asian and Club Championships (Competitive).
PRICING: Registration fees range from $85-$107 for the Sportive Ride, $45-$67 for the Straits Times Ride and $23-$86 for the Might Savers Kids Rides.
REGISTRATION: Online registration starts on Monday at 10am. Visit www.ocbccycle.com for more information. Early registration at the Orchard Gateway booth ends at noon today.
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