Engineer Aung Khine Phyo is looking forward to
turning up without a bicycle for this year's OCBC Cycle.
Instead, the 32-year-old will rely on one of 2,000
rental bicycles offered by Mobike, following a partnership between
the bike-sharing firm and OCBC Cycle organisers.
"I took part in last year's Straits Times Ride (23km)
and it's about 10km from my home (in Tiong Bahru) to the Sports
Hub, so I want to save some of my energy," Aung told The Straits
Times.
"I also saw some people riding on Mobikes during last
year's race, and now that Mobike has bicycles with gears, it'll be
more convenient for cyclists."
The rental service is free for participants who create
Mobike accounts and sign up for the May 5-6 OCBC Cycle.
Student Niam Xing Rong, who was first in line at the
event launch yesterday at Orchard Gateway and received a
registration gift bag worth $758, said he would consider using a
Mobike for the 42km Sportive Ride.
"When we cycle on our own bicycles there, it can be a
bit of a hassle looking after the bikes before and after the
event," added the 24-year-old, who had queued since 10pm on
Sunday.
OCBC Bank's head of group communications Koh Ching
Ching noted that bike-sharing is something that Singaporeans are
familiar with and, while more people are cycling here, not many
people own a bicycle.
"We've received feedback from participants who are less
serious riders that they find it a bit challenging to bring their
bicycles to the venue so with the Mobike partnership, it's very
convenient," she said.
"For an event like the OCBC Cycle, which is on closed
roads and where cyclists can enjoy the scenic spots along the
route, it's really quite rare to come by and, if you don't have a
bicycle and as a result are not able to take part, I think that's a
pity."
A new corporate category called The Corporate Chase has
also been added.
Companies can sign up a team of four employees to ride
in the flag-off wave in the 42km Sportive Ride.
The team with the fastest combined net time upon
completion will win the title.
The 42km Sportive Ride, 23km Straits Times Ride, Mighty
Savers Kids Rides for families and children, and the OCBC Cycle
Speedway South-east Asia and Club Championships will form this
year's edition. The event is also partnering The Straits Times
Run.
Participants of this year's OCBC Cycle enjoy a five per
cent discount off registration fees for the Sept 23 ST Run.
Online registration for the OCBC Cycle is now open at
ocbccycle.com with early bird discounts until Feb 28.
TNP
