Over 7,000 cyclists take part in Singapore’s biggest cycling festival

Over 7,000 cyclists take part in Singapore’s biggest  cycling festival

The final day of the OCBC Cycle 2015 saw cyclists taking part in the non-competitive mass participation categories yesterday.

The Sportive Ride (42km) and The Straits Times Ride (23km) both whizzed off from Singapore Sports Hub and ended inside the National Stadium.

This year, cyclists enjoyed a scenic panorama of Singapore's cityscape with iconic landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and East Coast Park along the way. and also had riders journey to the West side of

In all, 6,800 cyclists participated in the two community rides, proving that the new routes were a hit with them. The events were flagged off by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong.

Mr Choyston Chua, 18, who took part in The Sportive Ride, said, "This is my first time here. The event was very well-planned. My friends and I ride every Friday night along a similar route so we are very familiar with the roads, but we don't usually get to cycle on the highway. With the new shirt, new medal and new experience, we will definitely be back next year."

Another participant, Adrian Gan, 40, who rode in The Straits Times Ride, was glad that the weather was kind to them. "Today's weather was great for the ride! The event was well organised, the scene was good and I enjoyed the route," he said.

Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Communications at OCBC Bank, said the mass participation rides were preceded by Saturday's cycling action starting with the Mighty Savers® Family Rides for families and children aged 2 to 12 in the morning.

The competitive spirit was heightened in the afternoon when cycling teams from around the South-East Asian region pitted their skills against each other. Team Malaysia eventually emerged victorious and was crowned the inaugural champion of the OCBC Cycle Speedway SEA Championship.

A total of 15 local cycling clubs vied for "bragging rights" to be called the fastest club in the country in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Club Championships. It was won by Joyriders Racing Team 1.

chenj@sph.com.sg

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