On the back of increased interest in cycling cultivated during the pandemic, Singapore's largest cycling event has attracted more than half of its overall participation numbers
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
Singapore, 25 April 2023 – Registration for OCBC Cycle 2023 closed yesterday with 7,308 participants. More than 300 lots were added to the initial capacity of 7,000 to cater to the enthusiasm shown by the cyclists.
Separately, the 100KM Virtual Ride and Mighty Savers® Kids & Family Ride were both sold out one month ago, shortly after the close of the early bird registration period.
The event enters its 15th edition on the back of increased interest in cycling cultivated during the pandemic, attracting more than half of its overall participation numbers in just three weeks after the launch of registration back in February.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
More first-time participants join in the fun
In the years leading up to the pandemic, the percentage of first-time participants at OCBC Cycle usually averaged around 60 per cent.
This year, the event saw 70 per cent of registration coming from first-time participants - an indication of the rising popularity of cycling as a preferred sporting activity amongst Singaporeans.
Virtual Rides, which were first introduced in 2020, remain popular amongst cyclists who prefer the convenience and flexibility of completing the event with family and friends over multiple rides and on their preferred routes.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
The 100KM Virtual Ride was sold out almost one month before the official close of registration.
We will also witness elite club cyclists return to the road and compete on the closed-road circuit along Stadium Drive in the Speedway Championships.
This is the second year the event is back after being put on hold in 2020, and sees 22 teams signing up to battle for the coveted titles amongst the local club, corporate and female teams.
Defending champion in the club category, Allied World Racing is set to bring back the same level of energy, speed and excitement to this year’s event.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
On-site activities during event day
To cater to participants who wish to participate but do not own a bicycle, home-grown bike-sharing firm, SG Bikes, will be deploying 200 bicycles on-site for cyclists to rent for the event.
The presence of bike-sharing services at the event has allowed more than 4,000 cyclists to take part in OCBC Cycle over the past 5 years. This is part of OCBC Cycle’s goal to make the event as accessible as possible to everyone.
This year, the event will also bring back on-site event pack collection at the OCBC Arena where participants can collect their event entitlements and shop for cycling gear and equipment from partners such as Sunday Shades, Shimano and Key Power Sports.
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
OCBC Cycle participants are also entitled up to a $250 discount when they purchase bicycles or cycling equipment from Happy Owl Cycle, an authorised dealer for Brompton, online or via their physical store.
Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Brand and Communications, OCBC Bank, said: “We are excited to bring the full-scale OCBC Cycle back this year. We would like to thank the 7,308 cyclists who have signed up for the event, and the various government agencies - Sport Singapore and the Land Transport Authority - who enabled the road closures in the heart of the city.
OCBC Cycle has become more than just a sporting event, it has brought people from all walks of life together for a day of fun on wheels on closed expressways and city streets. We are gearing up for a safe and unforgettable day of cycling fun.”
PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE
In its 15th edition this year, OCBC Cycle has eight categories including its mainstay rides, The Sportive 40KM Ride and The Straits Times 20KM City Ride. These two rides will take cyclists through the city on closed roads, as well as the new Indoor Ride by Shimano, which uses the popular Zwift platform for cyclists to compete against one another virtually.
Spin Ride by CRU is also back for the second year running. The event will continue with the virtual rides taking place till 5 June.