OCBC Cycle to go virtual owing to clash of dates

The annual OCBC Cycle on May 3 and 4 at the Singapore Sports Hub will not go ahead as planned, with the event now converted to a virtual-ride format, said the local bank in a statement on its website on April 17.

- Kimberly Kwek

This comes two days after the date of the general election was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Nomination Day will be on April 23, and Singaporeans will cast their votes on May 3.

OCBC said in its statement: "Given the scale of OCBC Cycle, massive security resources are required for the event's road closures to ensure the security and safety of all event participants and other road users. During the weekend of May 3 and 4, such resources will be limited."

The 17th edition of the race was expected to attract 7,000 participants in eight categories.

The decision was made for the event to go virtual because it "cannot be rescheduled as adequate space at the Singapore Sports Hub is not available on any other weekends of 2025".

"Today, there is no other suitable venue that can accommodate long-distance cycling city routes for as many as 7,000 cyclists," added the statement.

All participants, including those who have signed up for the 100km Virtual Ride and Round Island Virtual Ride, will get full refunds by the end of May 2025.