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OCBC CYCLE SINGAPORE PROVES ANYONE CAN RIDE

Singapore streets come alive with inaugural cycling event

22 February, 2009, Singapore - Over five thousand four hundred riders took to their bikes for the first-ever OCBC Cycle Singapore in a day filled with action and excitement.

Chris Robb, Managing Director, Spectrum Worldwide said, "It was an amazing spectacle to see thousands of riders crossing the finish line during our inaugural ‘marathon on wheels'. From the professionals to the kids, everyone rode their hearts out and proved that there is a passion for cycling in Singapore."

The day flagged-off at 6am when 60 cyclists saddled up for the 50km Super Challenge with the five riders from the newly formed OCBC Singapore Cycling Team taking the honours on the podium. Crossing the line first in a dead-heat were team mates, Ho Jun Rong and Goh Choon Huat, in a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 4 seconds. First female to come home was Christina Liew-Gin in 1 hour 15 minutes and 29 seconds.

Team Manager of the OCBC Singapore Cycling Team, Daniel Plews said, "We had a plan for the race, and the boys executed it perfectly. They worked very well as a team and I am delighted with their first performance which bodes well for this season and the years to come."

Photographers and supporters crowded the start and finish area at the F1 Pit Building as cyclists of all ages headed out towards Changi Coast Road for the morning rides. David Conner, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Bank flagged-off and rode in the 40km Challenge at 7.30am, and at 9am Minister Balakrishnan got the 20km Community Ride underway then joined the pack to complete the ride himself. After the ride, Conner said, "I really enjoyed taking part in the 40km Challenge; it has been a great event today for everyone involved."

The Mighty Savers^TM Kids Ride at 11.30am saw over 400 children aged 6 to 12 years old taking part in the 5-km ride before the adrenaline-fuelled action of the criteriums took to the track in the afternoon. The Masters' Criterium powered things off at 1:25pm, followed by the Men's Open Criterium at 2:30pm. Kevin Byrns from the United States and Saiful Anuar Aziz of Malaysia took the chequered flags respectively.

The atmosphere was building and the crowds were in place by the time the 65 elite riders from around the world lined-up for their 90 minute race around the 2km circuit. Initially in wet conditions, the battle involved both skill and speed with four riders leading the charge over the final ten laps before David Pell of Australia sprinted for the line to finish first. Alan Marangoni of Italy and Ricardo Van der Velde of the Netherlands came home in second and third places to take a share of the S$100,000.00 prize money. Top performing Asian was Anuar Manan of Malaysia.

After his podium presentation, Pell said, "This is the biggest win of my career. I am ecstatic to get the win here in Singapore. It was a very good circuit and a great first year for the event."

Participants enjoyed a day of cycling, carnival activities and the OCBC Cycle Singapore Expo. Many also raised funds for the event's chosen charity, Singapore Children's Society and over S$14,000.00 has so far been collected.

Youngest participant, Joshua Barkman, summed up the day by saying, "I had a lot of fun cycling with my family and friends and I can't wait to do it again next year."

For more information log onto www.ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg