For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, physical cycling races on the roads are set to take place in Singapore. The 13th edition of mass cycling event OCBC Cycle 2021 will comprise physical and virtual race events this year, with the OCBC Cycle Speedway Championships happening on 29 May at the Singapore Sports Hub.
Teams can compete across three categories – the OCBC Cycle Speedway Club Championship, the OCBC Cycle Speedway Corporate Championship and the OCBC Cycle Speedway Women Championship that is making its debut. Done in a relay format, all three events require teams of four to be split into pairs; each duo will then cover five laps on a flat 1km stretch along Stadium Drive.
The top three winners of each category stand to win prize money amounting to S$800, S$600 and S$400 respectively. Those keen in taking part will need to write in to [email protected] by 14 May to register their interest.
OCBC is also looking into allowing members of the public to attend the road races, given the recent ease in safe distancing regulations. Up to 750 spectators may be allowed for the event if the organisers include on-site pre-event testing for spectators.
Apart from the three physical ride categories, there will also be virtual mass participation rides – the 5km Mighty Savers Kids’ Virtual Ride, the 23km The Straits Times Virtual Ride, the 42km The Sportive Virtual Rides, as well as two new categories – the 100km and 200km Virtual Rides.
Participants are required to complete the required distance in four rides or less between 15 May and 13 June 2021. They will also need to submit their ride details and a photo of themselves taken with the bicycle at any point of the ride to prove that they have completed the virtual ride.
Registration for the physical race event is S$300 per team. As for the virtual race events, registration is S$22 for the 100km ride and S$25 for the 200km, and free for the other categories. For more information, visit ocbccycle.com.
