The OCBC Cycle virtual ride ended this month with 397 participants completing more than 64,000km in all. Taking place for the fourth straight year, the virtual categories were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic when all mass sports events were cancelled.

Successful full-scale event

The 2023 event saw the successful completion of the first full-scale event to return since the pandemic.

The virtual events were a 100km or a 500km ride and participants had a maximum of four rides to complete the distance they had signed up for.

Said Koh Ching Ching, Head, Group brand and Communications, OCBC Bank, “We sincerely thank all riders, friends of OCBC Cycle, the authorities and all who have made OCBC Cycle 2023 a success.”

500km category was the longest ever

The 500km event was the longest-ever virtual ride at OCBC Cycle 2023. The distance is similar to four round-island rides where cyclists ride around the outermost perimeter of Singapore and was aimed as a challenge for cycling enthusiasts.

Added Koh, “We have seen many inspiring stories – from the remarkable 53-year-old man who trained for his first full Ironman triathlon event using the 500km virtual ride, to the 21-year-old student who completed 500km in a two-day overseas cycling trip. We are glad that we can cater to the diverse needs of all participants and ensure a memorable experience for everyone.”

Using the 500km to train for an Ironman 

Kelvin Teoh (credit: OCBC CYCLE)

Kevin Teoh, 53, saw the 500km ride as a great motivation for his full Ironman triathlon – consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a full 42.195km marathon.

Said Teoh, “the virtual ride gave me a target distance to work towards for each ride, so that I can build the endurance to take part in the Ironman. Completing a long distance Ironman triathlon event has been a goal of mine since 2020 and while the early morning rides and preparation have not been easy, the virtual rides have made the mundane nature of my routine training more exciting.”

As well, to Teoh, the virtual events are great to build an active lifestyle around sport and wellness. He said, “It is a bonus knowing that there is a community out there doing the same.”

A new milestone in his cycling journey 

Nicholas Foo (credit: OCBC CYCLE)

21-year-old Nicholas Foo achieved a new milestone in his cycling journey with the 500km virtual ride. The student picked up cycling during the 2020 pandemic and was able to complete the 500km over two days, a monumental leap from his previous personal best of 200km covered over a similar time frame.

Said Foo, “The new virtual ride distance of 500km motivated me to take on the challenge of cycling from Singapore to Malaysia. Being part of the virtual ride spurred me to complete the event’s distance and satisfy my goal of going on a cross-border bike tour. This required a lot of time and effort in preparation but it was worthwhile.”

This concludes OCBC Cycle

The in-person rides took place on 6 and 7 May and kicked off with the Speedway Championships on the 6th and the non-competitive Straits times 20km and Sportive 40km rides on 7 May. Kids aged between two and 12 took part in the Mighty Savers Family Ride on 6 May. A studio ride, the Spin ride by CRU, also took place.

With the conclusion of OCBC Cycle, the event organisers hope that participants will continue to enjoy cycling as a means of keeping active, family bonding and personal achievement.

Check out https://ocbccycle.com for more details.