Visual feast at OCBC cycling event

Visual feast at OCBC cycling event

In a crowd of tight spandex jerseys and snug shorts, one man stood out for his sartorial elegance.

Clad in a full business suit, Mr Thomas Timlen, 51, who is in the shipping industry, drew gasps of surprise and murmurs of awe as he pedalled down the track for the final round of Saturday's Ultimate Foldies Challenge in this year's OCBC Cycle Singapore at the F1 Pit Building.

Mr Timlen, who would only say he is from Europe, said: "I figured it was my best chance of getting on stage since there was no way I could beat the younger guys."

He added: "It's the oldest suit in my closet. I just had to remember to keep hydrating myself."

Mr Timlen finished in the middle among the participants for the Ultimate Foldies Challenge, but his effort in dressing up won him the title of Best Dressed Cyclist, which came with prizes such as a gym pass and a dining voucher.

When asked if he would be wearing the suit again for the 59km Super Challenge, which was yesterday, he answered with a laugh: "No, no. Maybe just the tie."

Mr Timlen, who is married to a Singaporean, was one of nearly 12,000 cyclists who took part over the weekend in the various categories of the annual cycling event open to cyclists of all ages.

 

WHAT'S THE FUSS?

Two-and-a-half-year-old Minami Nakahata seemed clueless as to what all the fuss and noise was about and was content to trundle along on her tricycle in the 100m Tricycle Ride, which attracted 190 participants.

"She can't speak yet," said Mr Toshihiko Nakahata, 31, who was one of many proud parents on the track snapping pictures of their children.

Some older children were even dressed to the nines in professional-looking cycling gear to match their parents in the 5km Mighty Savers Kids Ride.

Six-year-old Dylan Owens, who was born with a form of cerebral palsy, rode with his father, Mr Graham Owens, 43, the head of research at the Singapore Institute of Directors.

It was a memorable ride for Dylan, who previously used crutches to walk. After an operation in June last year, he was able to walk unassisted.

He also inspired his three-year-old brother, Edward, to take part in the tricycle ride this year.

The boys' mother, Mrs Paula Owens, a teacher, told The New Paper: "We're really proud of them. (Edward) was so excited about finishing, he kept shouting, 'I won! I won!'"

When asked if it was their father who inspired them, Mrs Owen said: "Oh, yes. They want to be just like their daddy."


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