This year's event marks the return of all in-person and competitive rides after three years
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
Singapore, 7 February 2023 - OCBC Cycle 2023 will return on 6 and 7 May 2023, where 7,000 cyclists are expected to take part in-person at the nation's marquee cycling event. This year will mark the first full-scale OCBC Cycle event since 2019, and the event's 15th anniversary.
Two new ride categories were launched, and two new sponsors - Friends of OCBC Cycle - Samsung and Decathlon came on board this year.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Participants can look forward to the return of The Sportive 40km Ride, a favourite amongst cycling enthusiasts who appreciate the unique experience of cycling on closed roads against the backdrop of the iconic cityscape in Singapore.
Two new categories have been introduced. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to compete against one another on stationary bikes in the inaugural Indoor Ride by Shimano, which will take place in Shimano Cycling World at the Singapore Sports Hub. Those looking to challenge themselves on their own time and pace can take part in the event's longest-ever ride distance in the new 500KM Virtual Ride.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
New Partners
Friends of OCBC Cycle - help drive the success of the event. This year, the event has brought on board Samsung, who will be providing the latest Samsung devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series as prizes for the early birds at the launch event and the grand lucky draw for all registrants.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra will also be used to capture the best moments of participants cycling during the event weekend in May. Another new partner, Decathlon Singapore, known for making sport sustainably accessible to many SIngaporeans, is sponsoring bicycles for the 'Teach-a-Child-to-Cycle' community initiative.
PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Registrations opened today on 7 February 2023, with the first on-site event launch in three years at orchardgateway. Kickstarting the registration were Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC Bank, Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore, Dr Hing Siong Chen, President of Singapore Cycling Federation, and Mr Jaime Ho, Editor of The Straits Times.
Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC Bank, said: "It is exciting to bring back the full format of OCBC Cycle in time for its 15th anniversary. Over the past 15 years, OCBC Cycle has given cyclists and the community a fun and healthy platform to bond. It has also grown to become an integral part of the ecosystem for the development of sport in Singapore."
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
"This is made possible only with the support of government agencies and authorities. In particular, we want to thank SportSG and Land Transport Authority. We will also not forget the wonderful partnership of all the Friends of OCBC Cycle - from Shimano and F&N who partnered us since 2009 to Samsung and Decathlon who just came onboard with their great support."
Cycling has seen an unprecedented growth during the pandemic years - a trend that is set to continue as the Singapore authorities continue the push to a car-lite society with an increasing network of cycling paths islandwide. Cycling on closed vehicular roads in a big scale is, however, something only OCBC Cycle can offer. That's why I can't wait to cycle with everyone once again in May."
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
Return of in-person rides to full scale
THe Straits Times 20km City Ride and The Sportive 40km Ride are set to attract nearly 7,000 cyclists on 7 May. Participants can look forward to scenic routes with roads specially closed for the event, taking them past national landmarks and iconic features like the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Singapore Flyer, and Gardens by the Bay, before finishing inside the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
The Mighty Savers Kids and Family Rides will be making a return on 6 May, where young cyclists between 2 and 12 years old can experience the joys of cycling with their family members. Meanwhile, more than 20 teams are expected to compete at the annual OCBC Cycle Speedway Championships on the same day, with the Speedway Women's Championship returning after its debut last year.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore, said: "We are grateful to OCBC's commitment to being a partner in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. We are excited to welcome back OCBC Cycle 2023 to a busy sporting calendar. It is a key event that cycling enthusiasts, competitive or recreational, look forward to every year. As the largest mass-cycling event in Singapore, OCBC Cycle has not only encouraged the growth of the sport of cycling over the last 15 years, but the importance of active lifestyles for everyone in the community too. We hope that OCBC Cycle will continue to inspire Singaporeans to take up the sport of cycling, and adopt active lifestyles."
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