Filipino riders gear up for the BGC Cycle Philippines this November

With an ever increasing profile of cycling in the country, having an event such as the BGC Cycle Philippines seems to come at the right moment.

The three-day cycling event would see thousands of Filipino riders cycle on safe closed public roads in different categories. The first of this kind of cycling event launched in this scale, the BGC Cycle Philippines is spearheaded by Cycle Asia, in partnership with Sunrise Events and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the event happens on November 15 to 17.

Cycle Asia, a network of premier cycling events across the region, has already played host to two hugely successful events this year—the OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore. The former attracted over 5,000, while the latter over 11,500 participants.

“Aside from all the fun the event promises, these kinds of events promote sports tourisms, which in turn encourages foreign visits,” said Wilfredo Uytengsu, the man behind the successful staging of the Ironman 70.3, 5150, XTERRA and Ironkids series in the country. He said his team’s valuable experience in staging high class multisports events in the country would help make BGC Cycle Philippines a memorable one.

For cyclists, there’s a wide category to choose from, depending on ages, ability, and experience. There’s The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ Ride, The Community Ride (20km), The Challenge (40km) and various Criterium categories.

For spectators, there will fun activities for the family like the Cycling & Lifestyle Expo.

“In the beginning, people got into running. Then football became very popular. Today, more and more people are getting into cycling. We are naturally thrilled to introduce the event at Bonifacio Global City,” said Manny Blas II, head of Commercial Operations, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. during the event’s launch at the Seda Hotel at BGC.

Interested participants may register online. Upon registration, participants get premium items from event sponsors which include Rudy Project shades, official cycle wear from F2P and technical tees from Felt Bikes.

“We are delighted to be expanding Cycle Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events,” said Chris Robb, managing director, Spectrum Worldwide.

The BGC Cycle Philippines will have as its beneficiary the Firefly Brigade whose advocacy is to actively promote the bicycle as a sustainable form of transportation.

For more information, check out the BGC Cycle Philippines official website, www.cyclephilippines.com.ph.


*** This article was first published in the Roadtalk section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on August 31, 2013. It has been edited for TWIST. Enjoy! ***