- OCBC Cycle Singapore
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OCBC Cycle Singapore is an annual mass participation cycling event held on closed public roads which encourages riders of all skill level, from beginner to professional, take part. The 2011 edition will be held from 4-6 March.
Contents
Introduction
OCBC Cycle Singapore aims to reach out to the whole family with a range of categories so ‘Anyone Can Ride!’ Everyone is encouraged to participate in this weekend cycling experience and visit the three-day Cycling and Lifestyle Village, as well as, the pre/post-ride carnival events. On Friday and Saturday nights, spectators will be treated to music during the Rock and Ride Festival presented by OCBC Cards.
A highlight of the 2011 event will be the OCBC Cycle Singapore Professional Criterium which takes place at 8:00pm on Saturday, 5 March and will be one of the first night cycling races ever to be fully lit for television in the Asia Pacific.
Participants
The event has grown year on year with more than 5,300 participants in 2009 and 9,000 riders taking to the streets in 2010. In 2011, organisers are expecting more than 12,000 cyclists to take part and 20,000 spectators.
Event Categories
1) Criterium Events (ages 18 and above and subject to qualification)
- Women’s Open
- Masters’ Open (for men aged 40 and above)
- Men’s Open
- Professional Criterium
2) The Super Challenge (for ages 16 and above)
- Distance: 60km
- Subject to qualification
3) The Nissan Challenge (for ages 14 and above)
- Distance: 40km
Participants can register as:
- Individual
- Student
- Corporate Team of Four(4)
- School Team of 4
- Club/Interest Group team of 4
4) The Community Ride (for ages ten and above)Distance: 20km
Participants can register as:
- Individual
- Student
- 4-Cyclist promo package
5) Mighty Savers™ Kids Ride (for ages six to 12)Distance: 5km
Participants can register for/as:
Three (3) different age group categories:
- 6-7, 8-9, 10-12 years old
- Individual
- Accompanying adult with child
- Family Package (two adults and one or two children ages 6-12)
6) Tricycle Ride (for ages two to five) Participants can register as individuals and can be accompanied by an adult
7) Cycle of Hope (ages 6 and above for cancer survivors and supporters)Distance: 4km
Individual registration
Joining Fee
The most inexpensive ride for students is the Community Ride (20km) priced at $38 with the early-bird discount. For adults, the early-bird fee is $88 for The Nissan Challenge (40km) and $172 for The Super Challenge (60km), which is subject to qualification. OCBC Credit card holders receive 20% discount off registration fees during Early Bird and 10% discount during Normal Period and Late Registration.
Trends
Rising Trend
In recent years, Singapore has seen a large increase in the number of sporting events taking place in the city state. Numerous marathons, triathlons, fun-runs and other mass participation events have been supported by government agencies and the public alike.
The government has taken the initiative to connect paths island wide to ensure seamless riding as well as the introduction of more safety signs on the 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 on the 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 Cycle Singapore has carved a niche in the market as the first cycling event targeted at the mass market which caters to all levels of participants and is owned and organised by Spectrum Worldwide with OCBC bank as the title sponsor.
Fund Raising
OCBC Cycle Singapore also recognises the need to give back to the community and has chosen to support the National Cancer Research Fund and the Singapore Children's Society [1]. In 2010, the event raised more than $45,000 for charity and hopes to double this amount in 2011.
Sources
Categories:- Cycling in Singapore
- Cycling events
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
