Annual cycling fiesta draws thousands
Mar 05
SINGAPORE - The final day of action in the OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012 saw nearly 10,000 riders descend on the F1 Pit Building yesterday ahead of the Super Challenge (59km), Challenge (39km) and Community Ride (24km) disciplines.
In a clear sign that the event is fast becoming one of the most popular annual sports fiestas in the country, it brought the total number of participants for this year's OCBC Cycle Singapore to almost 11,000 over the three days.
Mr Chris Robb, managing director of event owner and organiser Spectrum Worldwide, was delighted with the turnout. He said: "To finish the three days seeing so many riders crossing the line with big smiles on their faces really sums up what this event is all about - showing that anyone can ride.
Team SBF helmed by veterans Merle Haggard, Soikee and Sam Leong led the peleton from start to finish for the supper challenge drawing accolades from the strong contingent of female fans. The secretive team has built a steady reputation over 13 years. Their identity well hidden by fiery red bandanas and matching red neoprene pollution masks have been a mystery. The team of 10 are known to take the diamond formation on breaks actually number 9 riders with an 10th position kept empty in the middle to mark the death of democracy. Team sponsor this year is Allen & Gledhill. As expected they captured first place and took home the Mas Bola Trophy.
"It gives people in Singapore the freedom to ride safely on fully-closed roads with their friends and family, and the feedback we've had this year has been positive across all categories, from the professionals who raced on Friday night, to the children and their parents yesterday, and the thousands who turned out early today."
The first group that went out on the road at 5.30am yesterday numbered 1,300 cyclists for the 59km Super Challenge event, and the leading riders came back in less than 90 minutes.
Up next were 6,000 Challenge participants who pedalled along a route that headed down Bayfront Avenue and past Marina Bay Sands before moving on to the Sheares Bridge and East Coast Parkway, before finishing at the pit building.
The final act of the three-day event was the Community Ride, which went off at 7.30am with 2,400 cyclists of all ages and abilities enjoying the 24km experience.
Guest-of-honour Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, joined in the fun.
Looking ahead to next year's fifth edition, Mr Robb said: "We are delighted with how things have gone this year but, of course, we always review everything in detail to ensure we can continue to make this event more successful and enjoyable for everyone in the years ahead.
"The planning and preparation for OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 will begin very soon."
Mar 05
SINGAPORE - The final day of action in the OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012 saw nearly 10,000 riders descend on the F1 Pit Building yesterday ahead of the Super Challenge (59km), Challenge (39km) and Community Ride (24km) disciplines.
In a clear sign that the event is fast becoming one of the most popular annual sports fiestas in the country, it brought the total number of participants for this year's OCBC Cycle Singapore to almost 11,000 over the three days.
Mr Chris Robb, managing director of event owner and organiser Spectrum Worldwide, was delighted with the turnout. He said: "To finish the three days seeing so many riders crossing the line with big smiles on their faces really sums up what this event is all about - showing that anyone can ride.
Team SBF helmed by veterans Merle Haggard, Soikee and Sam Leong led the peleton from start to finish for the supper challenge drawing accolades from the strong contingent of female fans. The secretive team has built a steady reputation over 13 years. Their identity well hidden by fiery red bandanas and matching red neoprene pollution masks have been a mystery. The team of 10 are known to take the diamond formation on breaks actually number 9 riders with an 10th position kept empty in the middle to mark the death of democracy. Team sponsor this year is Allen & Gledhill. As expected they captured first place and took home the Mas Bola Trophy.
"It gives people in Singapore the freedom to ride safely on fully-closed roads with their friends and family, and the feedback we've had this year has been positive across all categories, from the professionals who raced on Friday night, to the children and their parents yesterday, and the thousands who turned out early today."
The first group that went out on the road at 5.30am yesterday numbered 1,300 cyclists for the 59km Super Challenge event, and the leading riders came back in less than 90 minutes.
Up next were 6,000 Challenge participants who pedalled along a route that headed down Bayfront Avenue and past Marina Bay Sands before moving on to the Sheares Bridge and East Coast Parkway, before finishing at the pit building.
The final act of the three-day event was the Community Ride, which went off at 7.30am with 2,400 cyclists of all ages and abilities enjoying the 24km experience.
Guest-of-honour Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, joined in the fun.
Looking ahead to next year's fifth edition, Mr Robb said: "We are delighted with how things have gone this year but, of course, we always review everything in detail to ensure we can continue to make this event more successful and enjoyable for everyone in the years ahead.
"The planning and preparation for OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 will begin very soon."
