All 4,700 slots for the first OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride (VR) across its three categories – The Sportive Ride VR (42km), The Straits Times Ride VR (23km) and The Mighty Savers Kids VR (800m and 5km) – have been fully taken up as of 2 September, one month before the organisers planned to close registration.

The new “virtual” format for the long-running cycling fiesta proved a hit, with participants citing the convenience and flexibility of completing the event with family and friends over multiple rides – and on their preferred routes – as the main draw.

Close to 70% percent of those signing up are first-time participants as compared to past editions of OCBC Cycle, where first-time participants typically made up about 40%.

Mr Dennis Tan, who signed up for the Virtual Ride with his 7-year-old son, said: “This is the first time that I’m taking part in OCBC Cycle with my son. During this period, my wife and I are constantly on the lookout for new activities that we can take part in with our son. OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride stood out for us as it is easy to join and we do not have to travel to any specified place.”

“I also like that the ride can be done at my neighbourhood park and we can do it anytime over two weeks. After telling my son about the ride, he got very excited and has been asking me to bring him downstairs so he can “train”. Best of all, he gets to claim his very first sports event medal – which I’m sure will be a big deal for him once the medal is delivered to him!”

Completing the Virtual Ride

From 1 to 15 November, participants will complete the full distance of their registered categories over a maximum of four separate rides. The rides can be done anywhere safe, whether indoors or outdoors, in Singapore. Participants will submit details of their rides, recorded by either a fitness tracker or a workout app, to the organiser by 15 November in order to receive the OCBC Cycle 2020 medal and event tote bag. These will be delivered to the participants by 7 December 2020.

Participants can download an electronic copy of the event certificate from the event website after their submitted virtual ride details are verified.

Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Brand and Communications at OCBC Bank, the title sponsor of the OCBC Cycle, said, “We want to thank all who signed up for the first OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride for their enthusiasm and support. Being able to continue to create the opportunity for friends and families to come together to have fun and exercise – in small groups this year, given the current situation – has always been a key objective of OCBC Cycle.”

“While it is a pity we are not able to bring the more than 6,000 cyclists together in one place because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the different format that circumstances forced us to come up with has been well received. Our team is really looking forward to all the pictures and selfies that the cyclists will send us over the two event weeks!”

Participants who previously registered for the physical version of the OCBC Cycle 2020, now replaced by this virtual event, will be given a full refund by 14 September 2020 unless they selected the option to donate the fees to Care Corner Singapore.

More details can be found on ocbccycle.com and on the event Facebook page.