OCBC Cycle unveils virtual cycling

SINGAPORE - Imagine racing over 10km of rolling hills, then 5km up a taxing climb, before rounding off with a 2km time trial - all without your bicycle moving anywhere.

Participants of the Berocca Challenge, the newest event of OCBC Cycle Singapore 2014, will be able to do just that every week from March 4-24 at the Athlete Lab, Amoy Street. Any team of four can take part.

The finals will be on March 28 at the F1 Pit Building.

Eileen Kuan, Bayer Healthcare's marketing category manager, said: "It is a contest for families and friends to get together, mixing exercise with a dose of charity and heaps of fun."

To add to the fun factor, the fastest teams in their respective categories will win a trip to the Gold Coast in Queensland for its annual Festival of Cycling.

Chris Robb, managing director of main sponsor Spectrum Worldwide, said: "The main draw of this event is that it accommodates working people with busy schedules, as they can do it at their own time and pace."

On Thursday, he headed straight to a business meeting after winning the second test race at the Berocca Challenge's media launch.

Each team have to set up a page at Giveasia.org and donate a minimum of $200, or $50 per cyclist. Family and friends are encouraged to swell the kitty.

To ramp up the competition, teams that raise the highest amount of cash will get to select a cycling pro from an elite squad to join their team.

To help the teams along, Lemuel Lee, who is part of Singapore's first professional cycling squad, has a few tips to share regarding cycling like the pros.

The 21-year-old said: "Pace yourself, especially during the more gruelling courses.

"It's also important to keep hydrated. As you're cycling indoors, you might not notice your exertion as much."

chingyl@sph.com.sg

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