If an event has been running for seven years, I reckon it has grown more successful than before. This is exactly so for OCBC Cycle Singapore 2015 as it returned for its seventh instalment this year. For those who don’t know, OCBC Cycle is Singapore’s premier mass cycling event held once a year on closed roads for cyclist enthusiasts. This year, the event was held on 29 and 30 August, beginning and ending at our new sporting venue, the Singapore Sports Hub.
The new OCBC Cycle promoted safe cycling and other cycling-related activities from June to August 2015 through events such as a photography seminar, sports injury management talks, healthy cooking classes and a Volvo familiarisation ride. In line with its main objective of creating awareness on safe riding, the event organisers have created four main categories so that there is something for everyone. The competitive and family rides took place on the 29 August while the adult rides took place on the 30 August.
Competitive Rides
- OCBC Cycle SEA Speedway Championship (first-time)
OCBC Cycle 2015 unveiled seven national teams from South East Asia at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore on 28 August. These countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore. The Malaysian national team was represented by SEA Games double-gold medallist, Mohd Hariff Bin Salleh. Expectedly, the Malaysian star ride continued his dominant winning streak in South-East Asia and attained the OCBC Cycle Speedway South-East Asia (SEA) Championship Champion on Saturday evening along with his team mates. Definitely a class above the rest, Harrif, together with his team mate Muhamad Adiq Husainie bin Othman, pulled away from the starting point and cruised through the finish line to win the championship match in an exhilarating finale cheered on by the home crowd and fans.
A beautiful finish for Team Malaysia as they come in as Champions. Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
Team Malaysia celebrate their triumph alongside Team Singapore (2nd place) and Team Brunei (3rd place). Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
2. OCBC Cycle Speedway Club Championship (15 top local teams of four compete for cash prizes)
KIDS & FAMILY RIDES
Mighty Savers Kids Ride (according to age group)
Participants of the Mighty Savers® Kids Ride (5 – 9 years old) gear up for their race. Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
Mighty Savers Family Ride
It’s always a good time! Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
The final day of OCBC Cycle 2015 saw some 6,800 cyclists from both categories participating in the non-competitive mass participation round where riders get to enjoy a scenic view of Singapore’s cityscape and iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer and East Coast Park.
ADULT RIDES (30 Aug)
The Sportive Ride (42km)
Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong flags off the Sportive Ride. Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
The Straits Time Ride (23km)
The Straits Times Ride flag-off at 7.30am. Photo courtesy of OCBC Cycle 2015.
CORPORATE RIDES
- The Business Times Cycle of Hope corporate bike ride (adult ride of any category + donation to a chosen charity from the registration fees + min of five persons)
- The Corporate Bike Ride (adult ride of any category + min of 15 persons)
Post-race Thoughts
I took part in the 42km Sportive Ride. On the day of the event, I reported an hour prior to the flag-off as we were told to do so or risk being denied participation rights. The original flag-off time for the first wave of sportive riders were originally 5.15am. Most people woke up at an unearthly timing of 3 am just to prepare for the event (and that is fine).
However, the first wave of flag-off only started at 5.35 am or so, and every 10 minutes thereafter. Before I realise, the final wave only started at 6.05 am. Despite the delay, it was really heartwarming to see Singaporeans keeping in high spirits and gathering for event photos despite not knowing each other. Some even managed to make small talk with others and I guess this is what the Singapore spirit is about – making friends, establishing relationships and communicating in times of good or bad.
Massive jam at Singapore Sports Hub at the onset.
All in all, I would say the event was a huge success. There were sufficient water points around and the ride was a really smooth one, albeit a little challenging with all the uphills and downhills. Though there were still some accidents that occurred, my entire course of ride was a pretty safe and good one.
Riders were polite and gave ample notice when overtaking or slowing down and that is the whole idea of this event. It helps to be conscious of your surroundings, and look out for not only yourself but also other riders out there. I was almost involved in a three-bicycle-collision, but thank goodness we were all attentive and managed to avoid it somehow.
Would I do it again next year? Definitely! And I’ll be sure to rally my family and friends to join too. See you there then.
Celebratory shot in front of OCBC Arena after completing the 42km sportive ride.
This event is sanctioned by the Singapore Cycling Federation and supported by Sport Singapore.
