More than 6,100 cyclists took part in the second edition of the OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride 2021, which wrapped up on 4 July. 

A 30 per cent increase

This is a 30 per cent increase from the inaugural 2020 event, with all five categories being sold out within two weeks of its launch, as well as an increase in the number of sign-ups across all categories, bringing together cyclists of diverse experience levels, and from as young as three to 77 years old.

Two new categories sold out within hours

The categories include the mainstay 23km Straits Times Virtual Ride, 42km Sportive Virtual Ride and 5km Mighty Saver Kids Ride from the physical event, as well as two new categories, a 100km and 200km virtual ride, both of which were introduced based on feedback from last year’s event to cater to more avid cyclists.

The popularity of the two new categories were undeniable as the 100km category sold out in two and a half hours and the 200km in 30 minutes. Even when a second round of slots were opened up the following week, these too, were snapped up in the same day too.

Said Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Corporate Communications at OCBC Bank, “we want to thank all OCBC Cycle 2021 participants for their support. The new 100km and 200km Virtual Rides were very well-received, meaning that they are likely to be placed on the event schedule again next year.”

She continued, “We found that this year’s participants enjoyed the rides differently from last year when we had to, for the first time, pivot from a physical to a virtual event due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.”

Participants clocked rides in line with safe management measures

In line with safe management measures, participants originally were tasked with clocking their rides at their own time and pace, completing their preferred distance over a maximum of four rides between 15 May and 4 July. 

With the introduction of the Phase 2 – Heightened Alert on 16 May, the completion period was extended from the initial closing of 14 June, to 4 July to allow participants more time to complete their rides safely.

Feel-good Stories

Koh cited a lot of heartwarming stories from the 2021 virtual event, such as an 11 year old girl who completed the 200km virtual ride.

11 year old girl impresses her parents

Denise Aguiling, 11, had even impressed her parents by clocking a total distance of 219km, the longest distance for participants aged between two and 12 years old. Her parents were amazed by her tenacity and resilience given that the family had never been serious cyclists.

The family had completed their rides during the Phase 2 – Heightened Alert period.

Denise Aguiling

Said her father Jodon Aguiling, “Our pit stops were particularly challenging, without the option to sit down or dine-in. With rides lasting six to eight hours, I had to ensure that I packed more isotonic drinks than usual, just in case, however my daughter was more than happy to meet all these small and large challenges and she kept her spirits up, rain or shine.”

67 year old veteran cyclist motivates seven year old

And as well, a 67 year old veteran cyclist who gave his medal to a seven year old boy who rode 75km from his home at Bukit Panjang to Coney Island.

The seven year old boy, Muhammad Afi, had taken 5 hours to clock the distance, catching the attention of the veteran Loh Yew Kwong via Facebook. 

They met up at the Bukit Panjang MRT Station the following day, where Loh gave him the medal, in the hope that it would motivate and spur the young boy on in his cycling journey.

Loh himself had earned his medal from completing the 42km Sportive Ride category.

Organisers are looking forward to next year’s event

Denise and Jodon Aguiling

After a successful 2021 event, OCBC already have their sights well set on next year, with the hope of bringing back their physical event, if safe distancing regulations allow.

Added Koh, “We are already looking forward to next year’s event. A big wish from us would be to bring back the physical event to the singapore sports hub to complement the physical rides. See you all next year.”