OCBC Cycle launches new all-women cycling race

Singapore

TO ENCOURAGE female participation in competitive cycling, OCBC Cycle announced a new all-women race category, the OCBC Cycle Speedway Women's Championship at its event launch on Tuesday at OCBC Square.

Teams of four will compete as two pairs in the all-women event, where the first pair will cycle five laps on a one-kilometre track and the second pair does the next five laps.

The winning team will receive S$800 in prize money, a championship trophy and winners' jerseys, while the first- and second- runners-up will receive S$600 and S$400 respectively.

OCBC Cycle decided to introduce the new race after it saw its first all-female cycling teams compete in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Club Championship last year.

OCBC Bank group chief executive officer, Samuel Tsien, said: "While cycling as a sport has traditionally been dominated by men, there has been a rise in interest in cycling among women."

"OCBC Cycle has evolved to keep up with cyclists' interests and passions," he said.

"We are thoroughly excited to hear that OCBC Cycle is keen to support women, and women's racing," said Elizabeth Hodges, one of the racers in the all-female team last year.

"The female riding community is growing, and whilst change is slow, it cannot be doubted that there are more women riding together, more often than before."

In partnership with Garmin, the wearable technology partner of OCBC Cycle 2020, the cycling event has also inaugurated the Garmin e-challenge for virtual cycling enthusiasts.

During the two-day challenge, participants will compete as pairs on indoor bike trainers provided on-site, aiming to clock the longest possible combined distance in 10 minutes.

The top three pairs each day will receive Hydro Flask trophies, while the top three pairs over both days will win Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS running smart-watches and Garmin vouchers.

OCBC Cycle is also partnering SG Bike to offer on-site bike rentals to 200 participants for all ride categories.

Garmin and SG Bikes are among six new friends of the event. This brings the total number of corporate supporters to 26 this year.

The 12th edition of OCBC Cycle will take place at the Singapore Sports Hub on May 9 and 10.

Yesterday's event saw a total turnout of 200 registrants, with some queuing since 1pm the day before.

Those who registered at the event launch will receive gifts such as bicycles and vouchers.

Online registration opens at ocbccycle.com on Jan 8 at 10 am, with early-bird discounts up to Feb 23.

Online registration closes on April 17 at 11.59 pm.